Crispin Blunt

Conservative Party | Reigate

Crispin Blunt Visits Earlswood Sewage Plant

Crispin Blunt today visited the new sewage treatment plant in Earlswood, which is run by Thames Water. The visit was prompted by concerns raised by local residents. Only ten days notice was given of the plans to construct a new facility in Earlswood and the open meeting had been convened by Thames Water happened the very day before construction vehicles arrived on site.

Following today’s meeting Crispin Blunt said:

‘In the end there is very little local people could ever have done to stop this development, as Thames Water have permitted development rights.’

He went on to comment that there were two areas of particular concern. The first is that, even though the development might not be necessary the treatment process is so expensive that it will cost every local resident more than £50. Mr Blunt was also concerned at the lack of local consultation.

It seems that the sewage works are being enlarged in reaction to government regulations that have yet to come out of draft form. The plans have not even been subject to a regulatory impact assessment.

Crispin Blunt noted:

‘I understand from Thames Water that these new regulations will come into effect at the end of 2005, which is why this development has been steam-rolled.’

The plant will add an extra element in the treatment of sewage so that it can be further processed before it is returned to the land, despite the fact that the existing process is 100% safe. Mr Blunt stated:

 ‘A regulatory impact assessment should have been made before such a project - at a cost of £7 Million – was even started.

‘The impact on the local environment and the high cost have been ignored. This is a classic example of unnecessary government regulation.’

It was also a major concern for Crispin Blunt that public consultation appeared so limited.

‘No time has been given for proper discussion of how to alter or hide the substantial silo, which will be over fifty feet high. The executives, whom I met today, were receptive to the suggestion that there could be an effective, natural way to conceal the silo. I hope that with screening from tree local residents will be spared this eyesore.’

Crispin Blunt will be raising this issue with Margaret Beckett, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, next week.