The Planning Inspectorate are inviting online comments and have also been holding a series of public events throughout May to gather views and answer questions about the proposal.
The 'super sewer' will cost an estimated £4.1 billion to build – adding on average £65 a year to water bills. It is expected to be completed by 2023 if it goes ahead.
Since its initial proposal, there has been controversy about the scheme regarding the cost, location of key sites, duration and associated disruption of the works. It has even been questioned whether a tunnel is actually necessary, with some groups suggesting that Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) would be sufficient to address run-off pollution issues. Residents around Carnwath Road in Hammersmith and Fulham, where a new pumping station is proposed, are particularly critical. They suggest the Thames Water failed to offer sufficient alternatives (LBHF.gov.uk). They refer to Lord Selbourne’s independent commission, funded by five London Boroughs, who reviewed the proposal in 2011. The commission suggested that multiple solutions would be required and the Super Sewer wasn’t the only answer; “we mustn’t do it at any price if there is a smarter and cheaper way” (YouTube, 2011).
All groups do recognise the need for an improved sewerage system however, with a Victorian sewerage system that is near to capacity and no longer able to cope with run off from impermeable streets and heavy rains each year. Phil Stride of Thames Water said; “Years of independent study have confirmed that the Thames Tideway Tunnel is the most cost effective way of solving this unacceptable pollution.” (Water Briefing, December 2012).
In order to comment on the proposal individuals need to register with the Planning Inspectorate by 29th May: Register online here.
Further links
Thames Water’s Thames Tideway Tunnel website
Wikipedia Thames Tideway Scheme summary
