A decision on relocating the sewage treatment works in north Cambridge has been delayed for the second time. Anglian Water was asked by the government to investigate moving the plant to Honey Hill, between Horningsea and Fen Ditton, to make space for new housing developments.
The government has committed £277 million towards the project, with the total cost estimated at £400 million. However, the relocation has faced opposition from local residents, who are concerned about the loss of green belt land.
Anglian Water applied for a Development Consent Order (DCO) last year, with an initial decision scheduled for October. However, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requested more time, postponing the decision to 12 January. The deadline has now been extended again to 14 April by Environment Secretary Steve Reed, who cited the need for thorough analysis and consideration of updated government policies.
The relocation is part of plans to revamp Cambridge’s sewage system and support residential and economic growth in North East Cambridge. Local councils aim to build 8,350 new homes and create 15,000 new jobs in the area.
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