Woolston Wastewater Treatment Works receive council approval

Southern Water has received approval in principle from Southampton City Council, UK, for its redevelop plan for Woolston Wastewater Treatment Works.

The first phase of the project, due to start in spring, will see building a temporary works to treat wastewater before elements of the existing site are demolished.

Southern Water project manager Julie Anne Stokes said that the company knows the majority of residents support this scheme.

"We will work with Southampton City Council to produce the required documentation to ensure we can finalise the construction programme and start on-site as soon as possible, working to the requirements set down by the council," Stokes said.

"The end result will be a modern treatment works to serve Woolston long into the future. I’d like to thank all customers who gave us feedback on our plans. We will keep everyone updated on progress."

Construction of the new treatment plant will begin in late 2014, once the temporary works is complete.

The proposed scheme aims to significantly reduce bad odours coming from the works and to ensure that the treated wastewater leaving the site meets new environmental standards set by the Environment Agency. The works will be completely redesigned to fit in with the redevelopment of the area.