Warwickshire Stream Faces Polluted Runoff Anger

Residents in Warwickshire are expressing significant anger over proposals to discharge wastewater into Whitnash Brook, a waterway situated just feet from a protected nature reserve. Bellway Homes, currently constructing 185 houses in Whitnash, has applied to the Environment Agency to pump nearly 2,500 cubic metres of rainwater runoff daily from the development site into the brook.

The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has voiced extreme concern, urging the Environment Agency to assess the potential damage to the reserve's delicate ecosystem and the broader wildlife corridor. Bellway Homes states its commitment to preventing any risk to the area. The application indicates the discharge could persist until the end of 2029, with volumes varying based on rainfall.

Local representatives, including district councillor Becky Davidson and county councillor Will Roberts, have highlighted residents' lack of awareness and worries about pollutant influx during heavy rainfall. Peter and Jane Middleton, visitors to the reserve, shared concerns about the ecological effects. Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington, described the potential impact on the river system as alarming and supported residents' objections.

Bellway Homes maintains that the runoff consists mainly of natural silt and soil particles and that ground investigations found no contamination risks. The company has stated its dedication to collaborating with the Environment Agency and local stakeholders to address concerns and uphold environmental standards. A public consultation on the proposals was ongoing and set to conclude on a Thursday.