Concerns raised over impact of Southern Water pipeline project
Concerns have been raised over a water transfer project which could affect residents near Portsdown Hill.
During a recent Portsmouth City Council meeting, Cosham councillor Asghar Shah questioned Cllr Hugh Mason, the cabinet member for planning policy, about the potential impacts of Southern Water’s proposed water pipeline.
Southern Water’s ‘Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project’ involves laying pipelines from the Otterbourne water supply works to a proposed water recycling plant near Budds Farm wastewater treatment plant. However, the pipeline route would pass through the Drayton and Farlington ward.
Cllr Mason explained: “The council is a statutory consultee since part of the pipe runs within our boundaries we have a right to be consulted.
“Southern Water has set up the local authority liaison group for all the local authorities running all the way through the route. This group meets frequently to scope issues on planning, landscape, flood risk, and highways.”
He added that the council has made “considerable input” to Southern Water’s public consultation, which concluded in July. The council raised three primary concerns: the impact on the highway network, particularly during construction; the potential effects on the Farlington Water Treatment Works; and the temporary damage to chalk grasslands caused by the works.
Cllr Mason also endorsed the idea of having a Southern Water representative attend a scrutiny panel and suggested a consultation event specifically for residents likely to be affected by the works.
The water transfer and recycling project is a joint venture between Portsmouth Water and Southern Water. It involves recycling wastewater, which would then be stored in the Havant Thicket Reservoir. The water would mix with spring water before being pumped to the Otterbourne works for further treatment, after which it would be supplied to customers.
As a nationally significant infrastructure project, the scheme will be determined by the Secretary of State via a development consent order.