Brief
A small wastewater pumping station was causing odour issues and required replacement
The pumping station was located within a small hamlet of houses in a rural area and was visually intrusive
The replacement pumping station needed to be below ground apart from a control kiosk but it also required the removal of 2 mature pollarded Willow trees to provide access off the highway
The field (approximately 4 acres) – we required 0.2 acres to create a fenced area containing the pumping station and turning head for access
Risks and Constraints
Landowners opposition – a retired couple passionate about retaining the farm as a whole for his family
The daily management had been passed to their children
Price – the landowner wanted £100,000 but we agreed a payment of £20,000 to include a further area for a temporary site compound.
Solutions
Provided a valuation of the land based on facts rather than the landowner’s perception
Engaged with landowner’s valuer to outline the options of proceeding by agreement vs. STW’s compulsory powers
Effective communication – empathised with the owner and looked at ways in which we could reduce the impact of the pumping station on him and the neighbours
Negotiation – with assistance from his valuer we managed to keep the payment to a reasonable level whilst maintaining a positive relationship with him.
Result
Happy landowner…eventually. The project can go ahead at a reasonable cost.
Project Information
Client: Severn Trent Water
