A major Water Recycling Project awaiting a decision by the Isle of Wight Council has been tweaked after widespread concerns from residents and stakeholders.
On behalf of Southern Water, Adams Hendry set out changes to the proposal which includes a Water Recycling Plant on land to the south of Sandown Wastewater Treatment Works, a pipeline from the facility to the Eastern Yar and an outfall.
Alterations include amendments to the application site boundary to accommodate power installation works, carry out improvements to the junction of Greenwood Lane and the A3055 Morton Road as well as for a temporary alternative footpath.
The tweaks also include reducing the length of the proposed outfall channel to reduce the impact on the Alverstone Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Southern Water previously faced a flood of objections, including from Island Roads, the Badger Trust Isle of Wight, the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Save Our South Coast Alliance.
Criticisms included a lack of meaningful consultation with residents and collaboration with businesses, significant negative impacts on the Eastern Yar, Alverstone Marshes, coastal waters, biodiversity and local community as well as lighting, noise and odour concerns.
Adams Hendry’s Consultation Response Statement says:
“Minor alterations to the access of Greenwood Lane at the junction with the A3055 Morton Road are proposed following comments raised by Island Roads that vehicles cannot safely access Greenwood Lane from the south.
Article continues below this advertisement “A temporary alternative footpath is proposed along the west-east section of Greenwood Lane following concerns by residents that construction traffic will deter pedestrians, including dog walkers, schoolchildren and other pedestrians utilising the public right of way.”
The consultancy says Southern Water continues to ‘actively engage’ with the community, landowners and those who may be impacted by the development through the planning determination period and construction phase, referring to future letters, briefings, drop-in events, signage, posters, notices and updates.
Adams Hendry’s responses to concerns include pointing to robust treatment processes, strict environmental permitting, routine monitoring, modelling showing odour impact will be ‘negligible’, lighting control measures and a Lighting Strategy.
The Response Statement said there will not be a significant effect on ecology from construction noise.
County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 25/01619/FUL runs until 21st August and a decision is due on 26th October.
‘concerns include pointing to robust treatmentprocesses, strict environmental permiting, routine monitoring, modelling showing odour impact will be ‘negligible’, lighting control measures and a Lighting
Strategy.
The ‘smell’ from the water treatment plant these last few months has been awful, many times we have had to close all our windows, People driving down Morton Common even saying how bad its got. But it’s OK as Adam says odour impact will be ‘negligible