North Yorkshire sewage capacity could leave new homes empty

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 12:30 · Archive

Yorkshire Water's sewerage network lacks capacity in parts of North Yorkshire, threatening housing developments and community funding.

A lack of capacity in Yorkshire Water's sewerage network could prevent new homes being occupied in parts of North Yorkshire and delay millions of pounds in funding for local services, councillors have warned. The North Yorkshire Liberal Democrats say pressure on wastewater infrastructure is threatening housing developments, with some schemes potentially unable to proceed unless improvements are made. Concerns follow a briefing to North Yorkshire Council's Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Committee, which highlighted capacity problems affecting public sewers and wastewater treatment works.

Yorkshire Water has advised the council that parts of its network cannot accommodate additional wastewater without increasing the risk of flooding and environmental pollution. As a result, the council is using planning conditions which allow developers to build homes but prevent them from being occupied until sufficient sewerage capacity is confirmed. Councillors fear this could leave completed properties standing empty while also delaying financial contributions from developers towards schools, healthcare, roads and other community facilities. These payments, secured through Section 106 planning agreements, are often triggered when new homes are occupied.

There are also concerns that some developments could be refused planning permission altogether if there is no realistic prospect of the necessary wastewater infrastructure being provided. The council cannot force Yorkshire Water to undertake improvements or complete them within a particular timescale. Cllr Steve Mason, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group on North Yorkshire Council, said: 'This situation is very concerning. Protecting our rivers from pollution is a priority, but so is providing housing for families, jobs, and vital infrastructure.'

How it is being reported

• Sewage capacity leads to fears that new North Yorkshire homes could be left emptyYorkshire Water sewer capacity concerns could delay North Yorkshire homes, planning approvals and Section 106 funding for schools, roads and GP surgeries.The Northern Echo · 12 Oct, 12:24
• Sewage capacity leads to fears that new North Yorkshire homes could be left emptyYorkshire Water sewer capacity concerns could delay North Yorkshire homes, planning approvals and Section 106 funding for schools, roads and GP surgeries.Darlington & Stockton Times · 12 Oct, 12:24

In this story: Yorkshire Water · North Yorkshire Council · North Yorkshire · Steve Mason

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