Legal opinion paves way for 12,000 Somerset homes

New legal advice could allow for the construction of nearly 12,000 homes in Somerset. This comes after a court ruling that limited developments due to high phosphate levels in local rivers. Phosphates, which come from animal and human waste, can harm aquatic life by reducing oxygen in the water. The new legal interpretation suggests that housing projects can move forward if Wessex Water completes upgrades to its waste water treatment facilities by 2030. These upgrades are necessary to manage the phosphates in the area effectively. The developments on hold include locations near Wellington, Langport, and Shepton Mallet. Wessex Water has pledged to invest £820 million to improve water quality, which includes removing 1,550 tonnes of excess nutrients from the waterways. Somerset Councillor Harry Hobhouse sought a fresh legal opinion from Landmark Chambers. He determined that about three to four tonnes of phosphates need to be removed to clear the backlog of housing projects. The legal opinion suggests that the water company's upgrades could handle additional phosphates from future housing. Somerset Council has accepted this new legal view and will review it to create a new policy on phosphate management. More details on this policy are expected by September.