RESIDENTS’ fears of ‘Drain Strain’ from new developments were voiced when they had the chance to quiz developers and representatives from utility providers at Whitehill and Bordon’s Community Forum.

Hosted by East Hampshire District Council, the meeting on Monday at Liphook Millennium Centre saw around 75 people grilling staff from Thames Water, The River Wey Trust and developers on issues of sewage and drainage.

The topic “Strain on the Drain” proved contentious for some who fear that incoming development will put further pressure on infrastructure.

The panel heard residents describe incidents of severe flooding, overflowing sewage problems and poor drainage across the area.

Another issue raised was the time required by Thames Water to put solutions in place in the light of major developments in Whitehill and Bordon and Liphook being granted permission. Currently the pumping station for both areas is located in Lindford.

Chairing the meeting, Lindford councillor Yvonne Parker-Smith echoed concerns from residents about Lindford Sewage Works and the increased frequency of lorry movements.

It is feared the issue will be exacerbated by a steady growth in population.

Last November it seemed to have reached fever pitch with residents from Taylors Lane - which has seen an increase in lorry movements - writing to the county council, Thames Water and even the police to express their dismay. While lorry movements have risen, Thames Water made it clear that they occur between 7.30am and 3.30pm to minimise disturbance.

Headley councillor Anthony Williams pointed out the need for an extension of the plant and the fact that Thames Water did not have to take any immediate action since the district council’s local plan was not finished.

However, Mark Mathews from Thames Water explained that, under the European Water Framework Directive, Thames Water is “legally bound” to upgrade sewage works to make them fit for purpose.

Angela Glass, EHDC portfolio holder for planning, confirmed that the district council always consults with Thames Water on each planning application it processes to ensure the development’s water and sewage needs can be met.

She said every developer should be made to consult with Thames Water regardless of any other proposals.

Mr Mathews said Thames Water recognises EHDC’s local plan, its outline of water and sewage networks and the need to upgrade them. He also said that it should be an additional planning condition for developers to avoid increasing risk of flooding.

He said EHDC, the county council, Hampshire Highways and the Environment Agency should all be involved and working as a team to resolve these issues and this was taking place. This “holistic” approach he said was essential - a sentiment echoed after the meeting by EHDC and Whitehill town councillor Alan Waterhouse.

Mr Waterhouse highlighted that the local authority doesn’t have legal jurisdiction over drainage and sewage works, but has to work “in co-operation” with providers like Thames Water.

This relationship is especially important with Whitehill and Bordon’s regeneration as thousands of homes are in the pipeline.

After hearing residents’ various accounts of failed sewage and drainage, Thames Water urged people to report any related problems immediately to allow them to find short and long- term solutions, as well as creating a database of incidents.

Mrs Parker-Smith said the forum was a success and a worthwhile exercise. “The aim of community forums is to bring forward important local issues for discussion between local residents and the relevant decision-makers and authorities,” she added.

Huw Thomas, local and regional government liaison at Thames Water, said: “I think the session went well and I hope we were able to convey some empathy to the residents as flooding really is an awful thing to experience.

“With that in mind I thought the audience gave us a fair hearing and I hope it was a useful session for all present.”