Sewage works expansion plans approved

The scheme at Market Drayton Sewage Treatment Works aims to reduce levels of phosphorus discharged into the river

Plans to upgrade a sewage works in Market Drayton to enable further development in the area have been approved.

Severn Trent Water said the expansion to the plant would improve sewage treatment and reduce levels of phosphorus discharged into the River Tern.

Councillors had previously expressed concern over the capacity of the town's existing sewage infrastructure, after approval was granted for 350 new homes.

A planning application said the expansion works were part of a five-year investment, in response to "a number of key challenges" including population growth and strict environmental regulations.

As part of the scheme, the southern boundary at Market Drayton Sewage Treatment Works will be dismantled with new treatment infrastructure installed alongside replacement fencing.

Severn Trent Water said it would also add additional treatment facilities within the existing footprint of the site.

The plant currently serves a population of almost 20,000 and that number is expected to grow by up to 25% by 2033, according to data supplied with the application.

The plans were given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council planners on Monday.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.