Sewage works back in new guise

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a sewage works will go on display later this month.

Southern Water's proposals for the works at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven, have been subject of two public inquiries, both of which have been refused by two secretaries of state.

Now the firm has come forward with an amended plan concentrating on the look of the plant and how it will blend into the surrounding landscape.

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But campaigners against the works said this was not good enough and went against Southern Water's own research.

John Hodgson, of Capel Avenue, said: 'When Southern Water tried to expand their current works at Telscombe Cliffs, the idea of Lower Hoddern Farm was floated as an alternative and Southern Water turned it down.

'They said to put a sewage works at Lower Hoddern Farm was unacceptable because it was on a greenfield site, adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and too close to residential property.

'Now they have come back and said we have changed our mind.'

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But Damon Elliott, project manager from Southern Water, said: 'We have worked hard these last six months to address the concerns regarding the visual impact of the works, notably by constructing a "green" roof and providing increased landscaping.

'The scheme will not only deliver much higher standards of wastewater treatment but will also benefit the wider area because it will ultimately bring unprecedented environmental improvements to this important stretch of the south coast.

'We hope that local people interested in the scheme will come along to view the plans.'

As part of the proposal, Southern Water said it would level land near the works which it would offer to Peacehaven for community use.

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It would also make a financial contribution towards the creation and maintenance of a sports pavilion and sports pitches.

The plans will be on display on February 22 from noon-7.30pm and February 23 from 11am-4pm at Community House, Meridian Centre.