PLANS to extend Cardigan’s Netpool Road wastewater treatment works have been approved by the council despite local concerns.
In a 2024 application, Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water sought permission from Ceredigion county planners for an extension to its existing works, on open pasture land at Netpool Road, Cardigan.
It has said the works will reduce the amount of pollution in the Teifi, as well as helping address a long-standing planning issue in the county.
A supporting statement, by agent Ove Arup and Partners Limited (Arup) said Cardigan wastewater treatment works (WwTW) currently sees seawater entering the site from the tidal Afon Teifi, especially during spring high tides.

“This results in the WwTW prematurely spilling during most high tide events (circa 200 times per annum) due to the WwTW not having the capacity needed to deal with wastewater entering the works during these events.”
It said the expansion would reduce spills of untreated effluent, improving water quality in the long-term.
“The proposed development is necessary to improve the existing Cardigan wastewater treatment works which at this time cannot cope with the peaks of salinity, making the existing WwTW back up which causes premature spills. As such, these essential upgrades are a priority for the WwTW.”
It added: “The proposed development would contribute to the protection of the environment from the adverse effects of untreated urban wastewater from entering into the Afon Teifi and meet environmental standards set out by the regulator.”
However, concerns had been raised about the scheme, saying there will be an impact on neighbouring homes, and the access route to the site is unsafe.
One of which was Rose Barter, who has previously said: “I am making a representation on behalf of the four dwellings surrounding this site. We consider that the impact to the residents of these dwellings will be extreme, particularly during the building phase of work.”
She also previously said: “We also believe that the plan for access to the site is untenable and would like to suggest an alternative route to the site and an alternative site (on the opposite side of the existing works) which will not impact on residents in any way.”
An officer report said the principle of the development was considered to be acceptable, and subject to mitigation measures, would have “minor or negligible adverse effects” on visual amenity.
It adds: “The application states that the proposal would not result in increased intensification of the site, as such there would not be increased traffic accessing and egressing the site.”
The application was conditionally approved by Ceredigion planners on January 28.