Tewkesbury Flooding Worries Intensify Amidst Plans for 10,000 New Homes

Officials from the water utility company have not specified their plans for improving sewer infrastructure in a town frequently affected by flooding. Local residents have expressed apprehension regarding the potential effects of a proposed development of thousands of new residences near Tewkesbury, some of which are situated on floodplains. During a Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) meeting held on Monday, representatives from Severn Trent were questioned about measures being implemented to decrease the discharge of sewage into watercourses. Councillor Vernon Smith reported that residents in the Mitton area had encountered “flooding coming up through their toilets.” A combined sewer system carries both wastewater and stormwater through the same conduits. Mr. Smith stated, “The combined systems were phased out in 1975. You should have had a plan by now from 2007 to 2024, of how to remove all those combined systems.” Plans are underway for a sequence of interconnected garden communities close to Tewkesbury, intended to address the regional housing demand. This ‘garden town,’ which its developers assert will feature green, wildlife-friendly areas as a central component, is slated for construction near junction nine of the M5 motorway at Ashchurch, Gloucestershire. However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service indicates that local residents are apprehensive that this development might exacerbate Tewkesbury’s existing flooding issues. In 2023, Severn Trent declared its intention to invest £12.9 billion into its water and sewage infrastructure. Mr. Smith inquired about the specific allocation of these funds for the Tewkesbury vicinity. Andrew Fairburn, Severn Trent’s head of government relations, stated his desire to replace all combined sewers, but noted that such an undertaking would incur an estimated cost of £300 billion across the nation. He added, “If that was considered a good use of public money, we, of course, would do that.” Mr. Fairburn acknowledged that Tewkesbury “absolutely does flood a lot.” He mentioned that the company is committing £330 million to enhance the sewer network in Gloucestershire over the coming five years, but conceded, “I don’t know the specifics for Tewkesbury.” He also noted that the company has made investments in other localities, including safeguarding the Mythe treatment works.