Residents in Bembridge have voiced fury over plans to open a combined sewage overflow pipe directly onto Silver Sands Beach at The Point.
Campaigners say the proposed use of the pipe by Southern Water could see untreated sewage discharged onto the beach above the low tide mark, creating what they describe as serious environmental and public health risks.
A combined sewage overflow (CSO) pipe carries both rainwater and raw sewage and is legally only supposed to discharge during periods of extreme weather. However, residents claim such systems are frequently used outside of those circumstances, with concerns growing over increasing pressure on the sewage network caused by housing development and climate change.
Local resident Rachel Young said sewage release data for St Helens Nodes Point showed 313 alerts for sewage releases during 2025, with 385 alerts already recorded so far this year. Nodes Point is around 400 metres from the proposed Bembridge outfall.
Campaigners argue the move contradicts the aims of the Environment Act 2021, which places a duty on water companies to reduce harm from storm overflows.
Residents claim permission for the pipe was granted after Southern Water described it as an extension of an existing pipe rather than a new outfall.
David Hunt, who has lived in Bembridge for more than 20 years, said:
“I have lived in Bembridge for over twenty years and have never known this pipe to be operational.
Article continues below this advertisement “The water companies are supposed to be improving their record on sewage discharges, but this illustrates that it is only getting worse.”
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on the Island’s marine environment, with the Bembridge coastline designated as a Marine Conservation Zone because of its important seagrass meadows and wildlife habitats.
Andrew Holman, of Harbour Farm Nature Group, said:
“It seems inconceivable that Southern Water are planning to install what is, in effect, a new sewage outfall straight onto one of the finest holiday beaches on the Isle of Wight.
“Offshore are rare seagrass meadows that play such an important part in our ecology. They are home to many species including seahorses.”
Residents say there was little public consultation surrounding the plans, with many only learning about the project through social media.
Former Isle of Wight councillor and solicitor Warren Drew has reportedly written to Southern Water threatening a judicial review, arguing the scheme is unlawful due to an alleged failure to conduct an adequate Environmental Impact Assessment and properly consider alternatives.
Work, originally due to begin in May, has been delayed while Southern Water considers the claims. Construction is now expected to start on 8th June.
A campaign group called ‘No Poo at the Point’ has been formed in opposition to the project, with a petition attracting more than 230 signatures within its first day.
East Wight MP Joe Robertson said:
“I share concerns regarding the continuing issue of sewage discharges into our waters.
“We should be taking decisive action to protect them, both now, and for future generations.”
Southern Water says the pipe is needed to help prevent flooding to local homes during periods of extreme weather, but critics argue alternative solutions have not been fully explored.
Southern water are a law unto themselves.
It is discussing what Southern Water are doing to our beaches, well done to local residents for taking action
It’s not just the untreated sewage which is bad enough it’s all the chemicals that are being used in our toilet and bathroom. A survey on the Solent says that it’s one of the most polluted waters in England due to micro plastics etc but the health risks are off the scale? Bembridge harbour will just fill up with polluted water. This will be so bad for our birds and everything else that lives in the immediate vicinity. I recon that southern water should find another solution to this problem. More housing equals more sewage. Don’t just pump it into the sea and kill everything?
Some people call it the Isle of Shite, so perhaps Southern Water is just helping us live up to our reputation..?
This is an inevitable consequence of granting planning permission for hundreds of new houses in Bembridge; – despite the reasoned objections of local residents stating that the already overloaded sewage system would be overwhelmed. Warren Drew needs to look at himself in the mirror and remember his time as chair of the planning committee when these developments were approved.
One has nothing to do with the other. This pipe will be in use long before the construction of the houses has started. The 1st outflow of raw sewage will be before the 1st residents have moved in. The addition of the 40 new homes per year for the 3 years it’s planned to take is not the issue. The issue is the system is not fit for purpose and nothing is or has been done about it. Decade after decade of under investment has now bit us all firmly in the backside, that is the issue plain and simple. We dread heavy rain in this part of Bembridge.
It is a National Scandal I feel like saying ok I won’t pay my bill until you treat it properly not just pump raw sewage out to sea it’s disgusting.