Two new pumping stations to tackle the poor smell of Toot Baldon near Oxford
Residents have been living with an odour from a septic tank.
Last updated 2nd Jan 2024
The Villiage Toot Baldon, near Oxford, has a population of around 150 people, has been living with the smell from a septic tank.
There may be some relief for them soon, if a new sewerage system is approved.
Plans for the 2 new pumping stations have been submitted to tackle the smell
Thames Water said there was "clear evidence" of problems with the existing private systems.
They have also commented that: "Residents have reported problems as a result of failing septic tanks and the groundwater level is frequently excessively high for proper operation of soakage field systems."
Along with mentioning reports of "odour problems" and "pollution of ditches and watercourses."
If approved, more than 50 properties would benefit from the pumping stations as they provide public sewers.
This matters as households in the village are not connected to a mains sewerage system - Residents primarily use septic tanks for private drainage.
Where would the stations be?
The proposal suggests one of the stations would sit in between the A4074 and the B480 on green belt farmland. The other would be to the East of Old School Road.
A decision is expected to be made on 8 January.