Sewer overflow planned to cut discharges
Google EarthPlans are being considered for a new sewer overflow facility to support efforts to stop untreated wastewater contaminating the environment.
Water company United Utilities wants to build the works on land opposite 78 Flass Lane in Newbarns, Barrow. The proposal, which was recommended for approval, is due to go before Westmorland and Furness Council next Tuesday.
The site would consist of an underground storm storage tank "greater than two Olympic-sized swimming pools" and a pumping station.
It comes after a spate of recent sewage discharges in Cumbria led to water quality at Windermere being monitored non-stop in a 12-month trial to test the equipment and processes being used.
A planning committee is to weigh up the need for the facility against issues including drainage and flood risk, green infrastructure and how it might impact on the character and appearance of the area.
A council planner wrote that the proposed scheme "provides storage capacity to cut the number of times that nine storm overflows in the town operate during periods of heavy rainfall".
He said that could lead to improving water quality in the Walney Channel.
Plans for 42 houses had previously been approved on the site in 2019, but were disposed of by the council in 2021 as matters had not been progressed.
Concerns were raised from users of an adjacent allotment that there would be an "increased risk of flooding" to the area.