Representation by John Rymell
- Date submitted
- 18 July 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am opposed to moving the sewage treatment works to a new site at Honey Hill. This will mean building on the Green belt, which is contrary to national and local planning policy. Since its creation the Green Belt has served a valuable purpose by preventing unregulated urban sprawl. The Covid pandemic and lockdown restriction proved the value of accessible green spaces close to urban populations. In terms of mental and physical health such places are an invaluable resource for local people and are increasingly appreciated. The area around Fen Ditton and Horningsea is much used for recreation by people, including myself, who live nearby and this development would destroy that resource by siting the new sewage works right in the middle of this space. Moreover, the location being proposed is on top of a principal chalk aquifer. The Cambridge area has low annual rainfall and its water resources are already under stress from increased demand for housing and the challenges of climate change. Surely it must now be a priority to protect the water supply; it seems perverse to site a new sewage works on such an important resource. It's like something from the nineteenth century, not the world we live in today. The environmental cost in terms of carbon emissions and the destruction of landscape is at odds with the council's own plans for reducing emissions. In the current climate crisis, the carbon emissions caused by construction, tunnelling and removal of rubble and other waste cannot be ignored when any project is being considered. Given that Anglia Water's own assessment is that the current treatment works will remain fit for purpose, it's environmentally irresponsible to generate more pollution and carbon emissions where we have existing facilities that are adequate. The days of building without concern for the carbon cost must be over; we have to be far more mindful of our impact on the environment both for ourselves and for future generations. I therefore urge you to reject the proposal.