Southern Water 'Pressing Ahead' With Controversial Island Water Recycling Project, Councillor Claims

A Reform UK Isle of Wight councillor has claimed Southern Water intends to press ahead with its controversial Water Recycling Project, despite ongoing objections and concerns about disruption.

Speaking at Sandown Town Council on Monday evening, Councillor Frank Baldry said discussions with Southern Water representatives had left him with the impression that the company remains committed to delivering the scheme.

Southern Water is currently awaiting a planning decision from the Isle of Wight Council on proposals to build a new water recycling facility on land south of Sandown Wastewater Treatment Works. The plans also include a pipeline and an outfall into the Eastern Yar.

Providing an update to fellow councillors, Cllr Baldry said a recent meeting at County Hall with Southern Water Chief Executive Lawrence Gosden involved what he described as "very heated discussions".

He said concerns were raised over the Island's sewerage network, which Southern Water reportedly described as the second oldest in the UK, contributing to ongoing issues with leaks and failures.

Cllr Baldry told the meeting that he had subsequently spoken with both Mr Gosden and a Southern Water communications officer, raising concerns about the impact of the proposed scheme, including what he described as three years of disruption and objections from landowners and residents.

Summing up the situation, the Sandown South councillor said he believed Southern Water was determined to move forward with the project regardless of local opposition.

In a statement, Southern Water said it had submitted a planning application following a public consultation held last year.

The company said the proposed Isle of Wight Water Recycling Project would produce up to 8.5 million litres of water per day, helping to reduce the Island's reliance on imported water from the mainland.

Southern Water added that around one-third of the Isle of Wight's current water supply comes from Hampshire's River Test, a rare and environmentally sensitive chalk stream.