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Storm water overflows of sewage stop new housing developments

30th October 2025

The latest issue in our Briefing Paper series explores data released by Anglian Water detailing the number and duration of Storm Water Overflows of sewage from their principal Sewage Treatment Works along the Bedfordshire section of the Great Ouse during 2024.

The Briefing Paper discusses the impact on local people and the environment as well as the implications for house building in Bedford Borough and beyond. It ends by asking why these unacceptable levels of pollution been allowed to happen.

'Anglian Water has now stated, in response to recent planning applications that it may no longer have the capacity to accept sewage from housing developments in Bedford Borough before 2030.'
CPRE Bedfordshire Briefing Paper

It calls for higher penalties and urgent, wholesale reform of the Water Companies as essential to prevent negligent firms polluting our rivers and short-changing their customers.

You can download the Briefing Paper below, along with a PDF of the response by Anglian Water to a recent planning application referenced in the document.

CPRE Bedfordshire Briefing Oct 2025 Storm Water Overflows

Anglian water response to planning application

A wide calm river, lined with greenery, seen from a bridge.
The River Great Ouse at Great Barford.

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