A major housing development planned for a historic Midlands market town has hit a significant roadblock after the local water utility provider lodged a formal objection.
Utility Giant Raises Red Flag on Infrastructure
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has stated it cannot support outline proposals to build approximately 1,650 new homes on agricultural land to the southwest of Leominster in Herefordshire. The company, responsible for both sewerage and water supply in the area, warned that the current systems lack the necessary capacity to handle such a large-scale expansion.
In its official response to two linked planning applications, which also include plans for a primary access route and a supermarket, Welsh Water declared it is "unlikely that sufficient capacity exists" within the immediate public sewerage network. The firm's development planning officer, Phillip Little, emphasised that no reinforcement works for water supply are planned either, leaving "insufficient capacity to service the proposed development."
Developers Must Find Solutions to Proceed
As a direct result of these capacity concerns, Welsh Water has placed the responsibility firmly on the developers to identify and fund solutions. The company suggested potential mitigation could involve diverting surface water runoff away from the sewers to free up space or carrying out additional "off-site reinforcement works."
Mr Little cautioned that the increased demand from the new estate "may adversely affect our service to existing customers and future occupiers." He confirmed the decision to object was "not taken lightly" and aligns with the company's stance on other recent applications in the catchment. Welsh Water has reserved the right to submit new representations if the proposals change during the planning process.
Affordable Housing Expectations and Next Steps
Separately, Herefordshire Council has outlined its expectations for the development's affordable housing provision. Strategic Housing officer Tina Wood stated the council aims to secure a good mix of tenures, with the greatest need being for social rent. The authority also anticipates a proportion of homes being offered for affordable home ownership at a 30% discount on market value, alongside shared ownership options.
Critically, the council wants these affordable homes "secured for those with a local connection to Leominster," a condition it expects developers to confirm at this outline stage. The deadline for public comments on both applications is currently set for February 9, 2026.
The objection from Welsh Water presents a substantial hurdle for the project. It underscores the growing tension between ambitious local housing targets and the pressing need to upgrade ageing water and sewage infrastructure, even in towns like Leominster where a £12 million upgrade to the waste water treatment works was completed as recently as 2023.
