Crispin Blunt MP has met with Anthony Ferrar, Managing Director of Sutton and East Surrey Water to discuss their plans to expand construct a soakaway lagoon at Woodmansterne Water Treatment Works, together with Borough Councillors, Cllr Richard Mantle and Cllr John Stephenson.
Sutton and East Surrey Water has permitted development rights as a utility provider and a legislative framework in which it is required to operate. Woodmansterne is one of its five key sites which requires major expansion to improve water quality. Anthony Ferrar committed to working with the Borough Councillors to ensure that all issues raised by concerned residents are being addressed.
Crispin Blunt said:
“My main priority is to ensure that Drake’s Field remains protected for the long term. I have been assured by Mr Ferrar that the water company has no financial interest in Drake’s Field’s future development and that, following the completion of the lagoon, they will share the local community’s interest in no further development on the Greenbelt. I have also been assured that pathways will be preserved.
“I hope that Sutton and East Surrey Water now work closely with local residents to address their concerns, including their concerns about visual amenity and access. They have also agreed to examine how they can leave the site as a better amenity for the community once they have completed their works”.