Southern Water says the works meets stringent European standards

Lewes Council said Southern Water will start site investigation work on Monday and a planning application is expected.

The water company had served notice on the council about the work at Peacehaven Heights, a spokesman said.

He said the council had not consented to the work, but the company had right of entry under the Water Resources Act.

Application 'expected'

The spokesman said the site investigation work was in connection with the proposed Waste Water Treatment Works at Lower Hoddern Farm, Peacehaven.

"A planning application will be made by Southern Water to East Sussex County Council who are the planning authority responsible for waste applications," he said.

"The district council will be consulted as part of the planning process, along with other consultees."

He said that if planning permission is granted, the cliff top land would be on the line of a new pipeline linking Lower Hoddern Farm with a long sea outfall extending out from the beach below.

Southern Water has said the proposals will deliver improved wastewater treatment and cleaner seas to the Sussex coast.

The company said in October that it was continuing to consult with local planning authorities.

Southern Water had also contacted parish and town councils about the new sewer infrastructure requirements, and was working towards submitting formal planning applications.