Yorkshire Water sewerage capacity threatens North Yorkshire housing

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 12 Oct, 13:01 · Archive

Insufficient sewerage capacity in parts of North Yorkshire could prevent new homes being occupied and delay 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. The 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 the situation threatened both housing delivery and investment in communities.

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.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 12 Oct, 12:20
• 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 Press (York) · 12 Oct, 12:20
• Yorkshire Water sewer capacity 'threatens new homes and funding'Yorkshire Water sewer capacity concerns could delay North Yorkshire homes, planning approvals and Section 106 funding for schools, roads and GP surgeries.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 12 Oct, 11:50
• Yorkshire Water sewer capacity 'threatens new homes and funding'Yorkshire Water sewer capacity concerns could delay North Yorkshire homes, planning approvals and Section 106 funding for schools, roads and GP surgeries.The Press (York) · 12 Oct, 11:50

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

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