Portobello back on the agenda

Plans to replace the plant will be revealed early in the New Year but Southern Water will meet East Sussex County Council members in private next Wednesday to report on their progress.

Chairman of CRAP (Concerned Residents Against Portobello) Don Burrell said members were angry at being kept in the dark.

'We are concerned that we are not being kept informed about what is going on. We are suspicious that Telscombe Tye is being taken out of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and that is what will be discussed.'

A multi-million pound bid to expand the Portobello sewage works was rejected in 2001 because of the site's AONB status.

However, a decision on whether the southern tip of Telscombe Tye should be excluded from the new National Park boundary, and if it should retain AONB status, is currently under consideration. Many objectors are concerned that if it loses its status Southern Water will submit a successful revised bid.

Mr Burrell accused Southern Water of learning nothing about public consulting from its previous failed bid and warned CRAP was gearing up to launch a new campaign.

A letter had also been sent to the county council and the water company protesting against the group's exclusion. 'We are suspicious of Southern Water to say the least,' added Mr Burrell.

Southern Water said it wanted to build a new modern wastewater treatment plant as soon as possible. Its previous bid was rejected by a government inspector at a public inquiry and then the Deputy Prime Minister on appeal.

A spokeswoman said: 'Following the refusal of planning permission by the Secretary of State to build at Portobello, the company set up a team to review possible locations across its region where a modern wastewater treatment works to serve Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area could be accommodated.'

The meeting on Wednesday was to consult the council before a decision was made.

The spokeswoman said: 'Clearly this is not just a matter for Southern Water and so the company is working in co-operation with the appropriate planning authorities and other agencies to find the most suitable site. This process is continuing with further meetings arranged with planning authorities this month.'

She revealed its decision would be made early in the New Year.

'Once completed, Southern Water will finalise its proposals in order to meet European legislation on seawater quality for Brighton and Hove, with a view to making a public announcement early in the New Year.'

But whatever verdict is made modernisation of the current plant at Portobello will be necessary.

'Wherever a new treatment works is built, work would still need to be carried out at Portobello, as this is the current collection point for wastewater,' said the spokeswoman.