A developer has defended its proposal to build 100 homes in the Gloucestershire village of Twigworth, despite residents' complaints about sewage flooding in their homes and gardens.
A&K Gateshead has submitted plans to Tewkesbury Borough Council to develop land off the A38 Tewkesbury Road. The scheme has faced objections from local residents and parish councils, who cite concerns over traffic and the local infrastructure’s ability to cope, particularly given reports of sewage “flooding into public spaces.”
In response, the developers have assured that they will collaborate with Severn Trent Water to identify and implement necessary infrastructure improvements. This process will include detailed investigations, such as hydraulic modelling, to assess current sewage system capacity and determine what upgrades are required to support the new development sustainably.
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The developer highlighted the urgent need for new housing in the borough. With approximately 1,700 households on the housing waiting list across Tewkesbury, the project aims to provide around 100 much-needed, well-connected, affordable homes. However, they emphasise that construction will not proceed until it is certain that the local sewage and drainage systems can cope without adverse effects.
“Our proposals have been carefully and sympathetically designed to take the site’s history and changing flood-risk context into consideration, ensuring that drainage, flood risk and the character of the area are properly addressed as part of the design,” a spokesperson for A&K Gateshead stated.
The company confirmed that further technical work led by Severn Trent Water will establish both current capacity and future needs, enabling identification of any necessary network improvements. They pledged ongoing cooperation with Severn Trent Water to ensure that infrastructure enhancements are made to adequately support the development.
Tewkesbury Borough Council planners are scheduled to review the proposals by 6 October 2026.
Local parish councils have voiced strong objections. Twigworth Parish Council’s objection emphasised frequent sewer system failures, with manholes bursting and public spaces flooding, as well as pumping stations known to flood houses and gardens, especially following heavy or persistent rainfall.
Down Hatherley Parish Council also raised concerns regarding the potential risks of foul flooding, environmental pollution, and harm to residents' amenity.