Thames Water is moving forward with long-delayed plans for a £240 million upgrade to the Oxford sewage treatment works, following pressure from the local council, which had criticized the company for hindering the construction of thousands of new homes, reports Construction Enquirer.
The utility company has announced its intention to seek tenders for the much-anticipated capacity expansion next month. Before this, it will conduct an online briefing for potential bidders on September 10, where it will outline plans to enhance the quality of the effluent released and expand the facility's capacity. The planned works include tripling the storm tank capacity, boosting sewage treatment flows by 80%, and increasing power supplies.
This decision to start the contractor selection process comes in the wake of Oxford City Council's strong criticism of the troubled water company, which they accused of stalling development across the county.
Councillor Susan Brown, the leader of Oxford City Council, stated, “We have long been raising the major problems created by the historic lack of investment by Thames Water in the Oxford Sewage Treatment Works, and its subsequent lack of capacity. This lack of investment has now led to the Environment Agency objecting to both the City Council’s proposed Local Plan 2040, and to housing and commercial planning applications coming forward in and around the city. This is a very significant environmental and economic issue for both Oxford and Oxfordshire.”
She added: “Protecting and improving the water quality in our rivers and streams is fundamental, as is having adequate water supply and sewage capacity. We need to have the right infrastructure in place to do this. The fact that we do not, and that this is now also preventing or delaying the delivery of much-needed new homes and job opportunities, is a source of huge frustration and anger.”
Councillor Brown added: “While I am clear this is a failure of the previous government’s making, I have been greatly encouraged by the engagement shown by the current government on this issue.”
She highlighted ongoing efforts, stating, “We are now engaged in active and constructive talks with Thames Water’s new chief executive, the EA, and the Water Services Regulation Authority. We have also entered a three-way agreement with Thames Water and the EA to work together to help address the planning issue as part of our draft Local Plan.”
Concluding her remarks, she said, “It is clear from these discussions that there are shared objectives from all partners to support the sustainable development and growth of Oxford and the surrounding area; to focus on ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to protect and enhance the local environment; and to give assurance to the development community that the works will happen in a timely fashion to ensure we continue to deliver much-needed new homes and jobs. We also understand that Thames Water is working at pace with the relevant regulators to develop and put in place solutions that seek to address the situation.”
