Objections to United Utilities' Marton pumping station plans

United Utilities (UU) is seeking planning permission for a new pumping station approximately 260m away from the existing Marton North Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) – which it says will be decommissioned.

The development along Dalefords Lane would comprise an area of 1,026 sq m on a grassland site, used to grow silage, bounded by Bogart Brook.

Nearby residents say the plans entail using this brook as an outlet for untreated sewage ‘in times of emergency’ – just one of their objections to the ‘illogical’ plans.

They are also concerned the new site will mean two mature oak trees will be felled, as well as several metres of mature hedgerow, while the only layby on Whitegate Road will no longer be open for public use.

A spokesperson for UU said it has acknowledged this feedback and is 'looking at options to refine the designs'.

UU’s original plans state the existing Marton North WwTW was not a suitable location for the new pumping station because of a lack of vehicular access.

But Susan Haigh, of nearby Whitegate Road, said: “We have observed over the years many instances of UU vehicles at that site having accessed it along an associated track which was resurfaced (fresh chippings laid) perhaps four years ago.”

Two oak trees on the site and the layby on Whitegate Road (Image: Supplied)

Objecting to the new plans, she added: “It’s going to be an ugly scar on a pretty landscape.

“We’ve got a neighbourhood plan which clearly says we should be looking after our environment, our views, and our landscape and this is completely against it.

“It seems illogical when there’s a wastewater treatment on the other end of the field that is enclosed and can’t be seen. It just seems to be in the wrong place.”

MP Mike Amesbury has also submitted an official objection to the plans.

He said two of the most affected properties are Grade II listed, while removing trees on the site would be ‘harmful to the rural landscape’.

He added: “Such a development is exactly what the Local Neighbourhood Plan was drawn up to prevent.

“Industrial development has no place in an area where the parish inhabitants have chosen to live for its rural peace and beauty.”

UU’s planning application states the proposed scheme is ‘complementary’ to a major programme of works refurbishing and upgrading existing UU assets across the region.

This includes changing the Whitegate WwTW to a pumping station to pump flows to the new Marton North Pumping Station and then on to Winsford WwTW for treatment.

A UU spokesperson, said: “We are committed to improving the water quality in the region’s waterways and this project will increase the sewer capacity in the area and reduce potential spills into Bogart Brook.

"By pumping the effluent to our treatment works in Winsford, it will also allow it to be treated to a higher standard before being returned to the environment.

“We acknowledge the feedback from the local community and will now be looking at options to refine the designs for the pumping station.”

The planning application reference is 22/03313/FUL and can be viewed on the council’s planning website.

Objections must be lodged by October 25, 2022.