A MOTION on water quality passed by Mid Devon District Council on October 26 recognises that new developments need adequate sewage capacity, and calls for South West Water to give evidence to Scrutiny Committee.

At its October Council meeting, Mid Devon District Council passed a motion to better protect local waterways.

The motion, put forward by Cllr Elizabeth Lloyd (Green), and seconded by Cllr Luke Taylor (Lib Dem), calls for senior representatives of South West Water, the Environment Agency and Natural England to attend a Scrutiny meeting to answer questions on the current levels of sewage discharge.

The motion detailed that in Mid Devon in 2021, sewage was discharged into local rivers more than 2,068 times, totalling over 20,853 hours of sewage discharge in just one year (source: The Rivers Trust).

It is not just development that adds to pollution – a recent Environment Agency report highlighted two thirds of farms in Devon were found to be causing pollution, and nine in 10 farms in North Devon were not compliant with environmental regulations.

But the motion focuses on development, which has an impact on water quality, and that as a planning authority, the Council has an obligation to do what it can to protect waterways.

The motion asks South West Water to share available information on the impact of major development on the number or duration of sewage discharges into local rivers, and to clarify which treatment works will be managing the sewage and whether they have capacity to do so.

The motion also calls for a report from officers outlining, amongst other things, current District Council efforts to protect waterways, including those related to planning and enforcement. This will feed into planned work with the Environment Policy Development Group.

After discussion at the Council meeting, most members supported the motion.

The main opposition was from Cllr Colin Slade, Cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change.

Cllr Slade said that South West Water is renewing its infrastructure and that remedial measures were all in-hand. He also said that the motion creates extra work for officers. He abstained from the motion.

Cllr Lloyd said: “Ofwat opened an enforcement case earlier this year against South West Water following concerns about their environmental performance and sewage discharge.

“As a local authority, and working alongside other agencies, we have a duty to do all we can to ensure local rivers are healthy, including by making sure development is not adding extra pressure to already polluted waterways.

“I hope the motion will lead to more discussion with South West Water and other agencies – collaboration is what will bring about change.

“I am disappointed that our own Cabinet member for the Environment, Cllr Slade, was unsupportive.

“Cllr Slade noted my ‘enthusiasm’ before telling me the motion was unnecessary.

“I think we need more enthusiasm, as well as care, persistence, and leadership – especially at a time of political and environmental uncertainty. I am pleased the motion passed, and I thank members for their support.”