By Pamela McGowan

Last updated 05:32, Friday, 29 August 2008

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new sewage treatment works in a Cumbrian village is splitting opinion, with some residents now speaking out in support.

Opinion: Some of the Wreay residents opposed to the relocation of a wastewater plant. However, others are now saying it would be beneficial

United Utilities wants to replace the existing waste-water treatment works at Wreay, near Carlisle, with a bigger and better facility nearer homes.

The plans have attracted opposition from some villagers who want the existing facility – which is in the centre of a field – to be redeveloped rather than replaced and moved.

Last week county councillors met to discuss whether the scheme should passed but, in the light of the controversy, decided to defer their decision until after a site visit.

Now a group of villagers is mounting a campaign of support for the development, saying it will be a long-term benefit for the local community.

In a letter to the county council’s head of environment, Wreay residents Mike and Lynn Jones claim the opposition is weak and lacking objectivity. One of the main concerns is that the new site will be closer to properties.

But Mr and Mrs Jones say that the existing works is already visually intrusive, whereas the new location would actually be out of view and well-landscaped.

“The proposed facility would be visible by only one property, while to redevelop the existing would make it visible to at least 10 properties,” they say.

There is also some dispute about whether the upgrade is necessary, with objectors claiming that discharges from the existing site meet European standards. They add that there is no need for existing capacity.

The Jones’ believe that this view is short-sighted.

They say: “We are happy to accept that after more than 25 years, the existing plant does not meet current standards and will have no capacity for future development.

“In time the village of Wreay will need some new housing to maintain the school and community. The new plant will allow for this.”

They also dismiss concerns about wildlife, saying only 14 metres of hedgerow will be lost, while new trees and hedges will be planted.

They add that any disruption to the village during construction will be short-term and a small price to pay for a 21st-century sewerage system.

They conclude: “The objectors have tried to suggest that the plans will spoil the village and are too close to the village pub.

“We have completely contradictory views in that the new site is well away from the village and nowhere near the pub, while if the existing site is redeveloped it would in clear sight of, and closer to, the pub.”

Members of the county council’s development control committee are expected to visit the site before next month’s meeting, when they will decide whether to grant approval.