Villages near Gloucester are grappling with a worsening sewage crisis, triggering growing frustration among residents as new housing developments continue to put additional strain on aging infrastructure. Communities in Twigworth, Longford, and Down Hatherley have reported a “daily procession of tankers” deployed to manage sewage overflows, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
The issue came to the forefront during a recent planning committee meeting for an eight-home development off the A38 Tewkesbury Road in Twigworth. Rick Harris, vice-chairman of Twigworth Parish Council and chairman of Longford Parish Council, voiced strong opposition to CR Leasing Ltd’s development plans at Twigworth Fields. He emphasized that the village’s sewage system is in “crisis” and conditions have been deteriorating steadily throughout the year.
Harris described a recurring pattern where sewage regularly overflows into public walkways through manholes. Though these areas are cordoned off by Severn Trent Water, local residents and their pets often come into contact with the contaminated zones. “Tankers are a constant presence, pumping sewage daily to alleviate the problem—this has been ongoing for months,” he added. The community is demanding more robust control over this escalating issue and urged councillors to avoid approving developments that would exacerbate the situation.
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In response, Anne Kenchington highlighted that the proposed housing site is considered sustainable and suitable, noting the council’s lack of a five-year land supply for housing. She reassured that concerns regarding highways, flooding, drainage, water pressure, ecology, community infrastructure, and noise have been thoroughly assessed and deemed acceptable by technical experts.
During discussions, Councillor Jim Mason expressed concern about accountability for sewage spills, citing instances where manhole covers have been blown off, spreading sewage on roads. He questioned whether local authorities or Severn Trent would be responsible for cleanup costs, emphasizing the risk posed if developments continue without sufficient capacity in the foul water system.
Council officers clarified that Severn Trent is responsible for the operation of the sewage network, with the Environment Agency and council involved in pollution incidents. Despite acknowledging issues, Councillor Mel Gore supported granting planning permission in line with officer recommendations, a position backed by Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown. Gore remarked, “There’s nothing we can do; it’s down to Severn Trent, and one would hope they are listening to us once again.”
After the meeting, George Sharpley, chairman of Twigworth Parish Council, voiced deep concern that authorities have yet to fully recognize the magnitude of the problem. He described the community as trapped in a “catch-22,” noting that planning approvals focus only on on-site drainage and ignore the broader impact on the failing off-site sewage network. Sharpley referenced a 2025 planning inspector’s condition for the Chestnut Tree Farm development, which prohibits new houses from connecting to the sewer until the wider system is upgraded. This condition remains the sole official acknowledgment of the deteriorating network that continues to spew foul water into public spaces.
Severn Trent Water, although not a statutory consultee on planning matters, works with developers to ensure drainage systems meet national standards and coordinates connection points. A spokesperson confirmed ongoing investigations in the affected area and collaboration with developers to reduce groundwater infiltration into the sewer network.
The escalating sewage crisis highlights a critical need for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to support growing communities and protect public health and safety.