Plans to build 100 new homes on more than 12 acres of land off the A38 Tewkesbury Road in Twigworth have sparked serious concerns among local residents and parish councils. The development, proposed by A&K Gateshead Limited, is intended to provide a mix of high-quality housing to meet local needs. However, villagers who already experience sewage flooding in their homes and gardens fear the situation could deteriorate further.
Consultants representing the developer describe the scheme as sustainable, highlighting that retained landscape features and a sensitive buffer to the A38 have been incorporated into the design. The proposal aims to create a cohesive and legible housing layout, blending family homes with smaller properties for individuals.
Despite these assurances, Twigworth Parish Council has voiced strong objections, emphasising persistent issues with the local sewerage system. They point out that manholes frequently overflow, causing sewage to spill into public areas. During heavy or prolonged rainfall, surface water overwhelms the network, adding pressure to the existing infrastructure.
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“An additional 100 houses connected to the sewer that leads to the pumping station at the entrance to Wallsworth Lane will have a horrendous impact on a pumping station that already floods Wallsworth Lane and nearby houses and businesses with sewage in times of heavy or persistent rain,” the parish council stated.
This pumping station receives sewage flows from multiple directions and channels it eastward to another pumping station in Ash Lane, which also has a history of flooding properties.
Down Hatherley Parish Council echoed these concerns, describing the foul drainage network as operating beyond safe capacity with documented failures. They emphasised that the Ash Lane pumping station is a critical infrastructure constraint and criticised the lack of evidence from the developer demonstrating that the new homes could be accommodated without increasing risks of flooding, pollution, and harm to residents' quality of life.
The planning application will be reviewed by Tewkesbury Borough Council, with a decision expected by 6 October 2026. Meanwhile, local communities remain vigilant, stressing the need for robust infrastructure upgrades to prevent further flooding and environmental issues before any new development proceeds.