Home / Environment / Couple lives in shed for 4 years due to river pollution
Couple lives in shed for 4 years due to river pollution
8 Apr
Summary
- Couple lived in a shed for four years due to pollution moratorium.
- They are part of a major lawsuit involving 4,000 people.
- Pollution lawsuit targets poultry firms and water utility.
Jane and Anthony Coyle have endured living in a garden shed for four years as their dream home construction in Edwyn Ralph, Herefordshire, remains stalled. Their project, initiated in 2020, was indefinitely paused by the council's Lugg Moratorium, a ban implemented in 2019 to combat nutrient pollution in the River Lugg. The couple, who sold their farmhouse, purchased land for £120,000 in 2018 and planned to invest an additional £250,000 in a three-bedroom eco-property.
After delays, the couple finally secured planning permission last year by purchasing 'phosphate credits.' However, they still face outstanding costs of £7,000 for these credits before construction can commence. They are now part of the UK's largest environmental lawsuit, involving around 4,000 claimants affected by pollution in the River Lugg, Wye, and Usk. The lawsuit, filed by Leigh Day, targets poultry producer Avara Foods and utility firm Welsh Water, alleging negligence and nuisance.
The legal claim asserts that poultry farms contribute significantly to river pollution, while new developments represent a small fraction. Campaigners highlight severe degradation of the rivers, impacting wildlife and recreational use. Both Avara Foods and Welsh Water deny the allegations, with Avara stating there is no data linking them to the river's condition and Welsh Water noting investments made despite increased pollution from other sectors.
