Residents in Kent complain of foul odors due toraw sewage leaks, fearing that the construction of 300 homes will exacerbate the problem.

Teynham Residents Urge Caution on New Home Development Amid Sewage Crisis

Residents of Teynham, a village in Kent near Sittingbourne, are expressing concern over the granting of planning permission for 298 new homes, as they grapple with a persistent sewage crisis. The community has been experiencing regular sewage overflows onto the streets, causing disruption and posing a serious health hazard.

The local planning authority, Swale Borough Council, approved the building permit despite acknowledgement from Southern Water that their system can only handle 50 new homes without upgrades. This has led to a call for detailed, budgeted, and timetabled plans from Southern Water to address the existing sewage problems before any new homes are built.

Robert Requena, a local resident, criticised the approval of the new homes, arguing that the village's infrastructure is already under strain. He also fears that the situation will deteriorate further with the construction of 298 new homes. Another resident, Wayne Kennett, shares similar concerns, expressing worries about potential environmental and public health issues without significant upgrades to the sewage and drainage systems.

The situation has left residents unable to flush their toilets or use their showers due to sewage leaks, a problem that has been described as "disgusting" by those affected. Tanker lorries are being brought in on a two-weekly basis to take excess sewage away from Teynham.

Local council members, Cllr Paul Townson and Cllr Julien Speed, have voiced strong opposition to the development, citing the ongoing sewage crisis as a primary concern. Cllr Speed also revealed that a Southern Water employee had informed him privately that there is no room for the plant to be upgraded as it is already running at full capacity.

Southern Water acknowledges the issues, attributing them primarily to groundwater infiltration during wet weather and blockages from improperly disposed of waste such as wet wipes and fats. However, residents remain deeply concerned about the addition of nearly 300 new homes, fearing it will lead to further environmental and public health issues without significant upgrades to the sewage and drainage systems.

Chartway, the developer behind the Frognal Lane scheme, defends the project, emphasizing benefits like family homes, a £4.2 million contribution to local infrastructure, expansion of Teynham Primary School, and transfer of land ownership for community facilities to the parish council. Southern Water is currently investigating the issues raised, and a spokesperson has stated that manholes overflowing are caused by weather-related groundwater forcing its way into pipes and blockages due to improper waste disposal.

Despite Chartway's assurances, the people of Teynham are left waiting for a sustainable solution to their ongoing sewage crisis. The junction between Frognal Lane and Frognal Gardens in Teynham already floods after heavy rain, and residents worry that adding more homes will likely make the flooding worse. The community hopes for swift action to ensure the safety and comfort of its residents.

Residents in Kent complain of foul odors due toraw sewage leaks, fearing that the construction of 300 homes will exacerbate the problem.