Council offers sewage upgrades to lower pollution

A council in Derbyshire is set to offer free septic tank upgrades in Buxton in a bid to reduce pollution in rivers, an issue it said was holding up development in the area.

High Peak Borough Council said it was working with partners to offer about 75 sewage treatment plants to property owners to meet environmental standards and help protect rivers.

According to the council, the level of phosphates - which can enter watercourses from human sewage - in the River Wye has been stalling "much-needed" housing development in the area.

The council said the government-funded project would be open to properties with existing septic tanks or outdated treatment systems within the Buxton project area.

It added property owners must register their interest by 28 February to qualify for the scheme.

Godfrey Claff, executive councillor for planning, said the "state-of-the-art upgrades" would improve the water quality of rivers and streams in the borough.

"The level of phosphates in the River Wye has been holding up development, particularly of much-needed housing in the Buxton and Dove Holes area, so this will help unlock the blocks and enable us to progress planning applications whilst ensuring they don't adversely affect protected habitats," Claff added.

The Labour-run council said it was writing to property owners who were likely to be eligible.

Jean Todd, executive councillor for climate change and environment, added: "This scheme directly addresses pollution at the source by supporting households and businesses with otherwise potentially expensive but essential upgrades to their drainage systems."

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