A sewerage works will be extended with new underground installations under plans approved by Stockton Council.
Northumbrian Water Ltd applied for planning permission to change the use of an agricultural field as part of a sewerage treatment improvement scheme. It wanted consent to extend its sewerage treatment works at Ash Grove, Kirklevington, Yarm, to install “below ground infrastructure including balancing storage tank, pumping station, and flow meter and valve chambers”.
The council’s report says: “The proposal also seeks the provision of a new access track and associated works. The works are being undertaken as part of a wider scheme involving improvement works between the Kirklevington Sewerage Treatment Works and Yarm Sewerage Treatment Works.
“Permission is therefore sought for the change of use of agricultural land to sewerage treatment works, access track and associated works… The application proposes to change the use of existing agricultural land which abuts the existing sewage treatment works in Kirklevington to undertake essential upgrades to the below ground infrastructure.”
There were no objections to the plans by members of the public, and neither environmental health and highways officers nor Kirklevington & Castle Leavington Parish Council or the Environment Agency objected. However, the parish council asked about acoustic measurements, tree planting and nesting boxes.
The Environment Agency also gave advice about surface water management and said the operator was required to have measures in place to prevent pollution, ensure no harm to human health, the environment, local features, “to a human sense or damage to material property”. Council officers said the changes would draw support as they were “essential upgrades”, with a 5m-wide access track joining the existing track and a new post and wire fencing enclosing the area: “Views of the development would be limited, by virtue of its rural location and existing tree coverage.
“Any glimpsed views of the development would be seen within the context of the sewage treatment site. The proposal is not considered to cause any adverse visual harm.”
They said there were homes nearby, on Ash Grove and Braeside, but the treatment works was being extended north, furthest away from homes: “The works are predominantly underground therefore it is considered that there would be no further adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.”
An archaeological report recorded the excavation of 28 trenches with “some small assemblage of pot sherds, glass and metal” dated late 18th to early 20th century, but no further works were said to be needed. The plan was approved with conditions covering areas including time limit, ecology, biodiversity and construction hours.
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