Plans for a replacement sewerage works in Colwall have been recommended for approval.

Severn Trent has submitted an application to Herefordshire Council for the treatment plant, which was discussed by parish councillors last week.

The new facility will cost £1.86 million and be situated adjacent to the existing sewerage works, which will remain in use until the new one is completed. Severn Trent will then look at either dismantling or upgrading the existing works to run alongside the new equipment.

A spokesman for Severn Trent said the new treatment plant would serve 2,000 homes in the Colwall area, including Colwall Green, Colwall Stone, Upper Colwall and Barton Court.

"This project is being undertaken to comply with new Environment Agency standards," she said, adding that the new works would be smaller but more advanced.

Nick Dean, minerals and waste officer for Herefordshire Council, said the final decision on the planning application would be made on Wednesday, May 2, at a meeting of the planning department's northern area sub-committee.

Construction is expected to begin in June, lasting for around a year.

The parish council has recommended the approval of the plans. However, councillors asked Severn Trent to look at the feed pipe to the existing works, which has been blamed for sewage leaks in the past.

"There's been problems with leaking sewage in Colwall for some time," said parish clerk Cynthia Spaull.

"Colwall Parish Council therefore welcomes the proposals for the new works."