The UK’s first-of-its-kind water treatment works unveiled at Sturry development

On Thursday (30th January), representatives from Barratt David Wilson Homes, EPS Water and Icosa Water welcomed members of Canterbury City Council to unveil a new first-of-its-kind water treatment works. The new plant is located at The Woodlands development in Broad Oak, Sturry, and is the first to enter full service in the UK for a housing developer specifically to meet Nutrient Neutrality requirements.

Officially named ‘The Woodlands Water Recycling Centre’, the plant is a purpose-built solution for achieving Nutrient Neutrality for housing developments under the ‘Habitats Regulations’ in a joint venture between Barratt David Wilson Kent, EPS Water and ICOSA. Nutrient Neutrality applies to applications where there is a net increase in the number of dwellings, such as new housing developments, and allows developments to be permitted without impacting the condition of protected sites.

Work on the site began back in March 2023 with the official commencement of operations in August 2024. It now treats all flows from the growing development and is operated by Icosa Water Ltd, an Ofwat-regulated company, with EPS Water providing operational support.

The unveiling event welcomed Cabinet Lead for Biodiversity and Climate Change Councillor Mel Dawkins, The Sheriff of Canterbury Councillor Keji Moses, Councillor for Canterbury North Robert Thomas and Councillor for Herne Village & Sturry Alan Marsh. During the visit, the councillors received a full tour of the new water treatment plant, information on the positive outcomes for The Woodlands and Canterbury, and the opportunity to discuss the future operations of the plant.

William Walsh, Managing Director for Barratt David Wilson Kent, comments: “Working closely with EPS Water and Icosa Water has allowed us to pursue our sustainability goals here at Barratt David Wilson Kent. We feel privileged to have welcomed representatives from Canterbury City Council and to discuss the importance of the first-of-its-kind treatment works. Finding suitable solutions for Nutrient Neutrality to unlock homes is essential, and this project is setting the standard for future projects across the UK.”

Councillor Mel Dawkins, Cabinet Lead for Biodiversity and Climate Change, adds: “At Canterbury City Council, our main aim is to create a cleaner, greener, safer and more inclusive environment for all who live in our city. The treatment works will benefit the wider area of Sturry and is a groundbreaking project for Kent in terms of sustainability. It was an honour to be invited to the official unveiling of the new recycling centre and to speak to key representatives involved with the project, and we are fortunate enough that this is in our very own city of Canterbury. We are looking forward to seeing how this blueprint project will be rolled out across the UK to meet Nutrient Neutrality requirements.”

Shaun Stevens, General UK Manager from EPS Water concludes: “EPS has played a central role in delivering this ground-breaking wastewater treatment project. By providing Barratt David Wilson Kent with a workable and practical solution to Nutrient Neutrality at The Woodlands, we have unlocked a mechanism for addressing sites with similar designations across the UK. We wish to thank all who attended on the day and all other stakeholders in the scheme for their support and collaboration throughout the development and delivery of the project.”

Once complete, The Woodlands will comprise 15.8 acres of green open space, including trim trails and play areas, and Barratt David Wilson Kent has committed to planting over 150 new trees and nearly 14,000 hedgerows and saplings, alongside creating 10,000 metres of hedgehog highways. The Woodlands is currently offering one-, two- and three-bedroom Shared Ownership houses available from £102,498 for a 50% share, plus four and five private bedroom homes from £432,995.

For more information on The Woodlands Water Recycling Centre please visit: https://waterprojectsonline.com/case-studies/the-woodlands-wrc-2024/