Representation by Alison Mary Day
- Date submitted
- 19 July 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I do not agree with the proposal to move the sewage treatment works to a new site at Honey Hill. Building on the Green belt is contrary to national and local planning policy. The area around Fen Ditton and Horningsea has beautiful walks, much appreciated by the local community as well as by people from further afield. 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. It is vital to protect the water supply and to take a long term view to ensure the well being of future generations. The environmental cost in terms of carbon emissions and the destruction of landscape is not in keeping 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 would be highly 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.