NEW sewage treatment works will replace septic tanks and soakaway systems in a Worcestershire hamlet despite concerns about its size, cost and location.

Severn Trent Water’s application to build on land almost directly opposite a cottage in Coles Green, Leigh Sinton, near Malvern, was approved because of the need to tackle an ongoing problem with untreated effluent seeping into roadside gulleys and the Dingle brook.

But those opposed to the plans, which are believed to cost more than £400,000 and will to serve about 55 people living at nearby Sandlin, were left in disbelief when the county’s planning and regulatory committee unanimously approved the application even though there were cheaper alternatives.

Speaking after the meeting, councillor Clive Smith, who represents Malvern Link, said: “It’s like using a thermo-nuclear weapon to settle a domestic dispute. It is a complete and utter waste of money. Severn Trent should be ashamed of themselves.”

Richard Blackwell, chairman of the Coles Green Residents Association, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace.”

Concerns were raised during the meeting at County Hall that the treatment works could deal with up to 2,000 people but James Glynn, town planner for Severn Trent Water’s planning agents, said if that was the case the plant would have to be much bigger than the one it intends to install.

Mr Glynn said that although the treatment works will not serve people living in Coles Green at the moment, they could be connected to the system at a later date.

However, it would require a pumping station for the site to serve every household in the area because Severn Trent is only using a gravity sewer.

Charles Hardy, of the Grange, Sandlin, supported the application because previous attempts to sort out the problem had not worked.

He said: “We have been waiting for this for a long time.”

For the treatment works to be built a new access will have to be built and about 15 metres of hedgrerow will be cut down.