Southern Water has submitted a planning application to increase treatment capacity at a Hampshire waste treatment plant.

The proposed extension of the Romsey Wastewater facility includes the installation of a new final settlement tank, a return activation sludge (RAS) pumping station, associated pipework, new perimeter fencing and landscape planting.

The letter submitted by Southern Water to Hampshire County Council, alongside the planning application, says the proposed development is “necessary to enable compliance with an enhanced discharge permit for Phosphorous as set by the Environment Agency”.

“The new discharge consent will take effect from 22nd December 2024, and the works will improve the quality of the treated effluent that is discharged to the environment”, the letter reads.

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The proposed extension is to be located at Romsey Wastewater Treatment Works (WTW), which occupies an area of 3.9 hectares.

The proposed site for the extension of WTW covers an area of about 2,350 square meters. It is recommended to remove the security fence and vegetation along the western boundary of the current WTW and install new security fencing around the extended WTW perimeter.

Hampshire Chronicle: Elevation with boundary planting, foreground and fence

The proposed development comprises the extension of the existing WTW to the east. Within the extended area, there will be a new final settlement tank (FST) and a return activated sludge (RAS) pumping station, with associated below-ground pipework connections.

The FST will extend partially underground and rise to a height of 1.1m above ground level. It will be used in the final stages of the wastewater treatment process to settle out any biological material from effluent following the early stages of treatment.

Works on the internal roads will also be extended to provide vehicular access to the new plant items.

The development plan includes a landscape planting scheme that involves planting a triple staggered native species hedgerow along the WTW boundaries and willow scrub, a wildflower meadow, and amenity grass.

The public consultation period started on July 26 and will end on August 25. If you wish to submit your comments, visit Hampshire County Council website with the HCC/2023/0421 reference number.