A SEWAGE pumping station is planned for green belt land in Colehill, the Daily Echo has learned.

Wessex Water is preparing to seek planning permission to build an underground pumping station on the old drover’s road between Wimborne and St Michael’s School in Colehill.

Jeremy Ledger, who lives in nearby Cobbs Road, said changing the proposed location to a field less than 15 feet away would screen the station and protect the beauty of the bridle way.

“The pumping station could easily be re-located to the south, on the other side of a hedge. But I was advised that this would cost an extra £10,000,” he said.

“I was shown a similar pumping station at Holt by a Wessex Water representative. It was only after seeing the reality of what is proposed that I became concerned.

“The impact of the pumping station in this area of Colehill on a historic bridle way flies in the face of planning regulations that govern ordinary people.”

He denied having a NIMBY (“not in my back yard”) attitude, arguing that he was in favour of the principle of a mains sewage scheme, and had retirement plans that would move him from the area.

A spokesman for Wessex Water said the firm was happy to meet with residents and discuss the proposals throughout the planning process.

“Wessex Water is proposing to build the small pumping station as part of a scheme that will resolve the problem of pollution from septic tanks used in the area. It will allow a number of residents to have access to mains sewerage,” he said.

“The plans, which are open to public consultation, include detailed landscaping proposals.”

A four-month period of work to install the station, raised cabinets, an access road and a hard standing area for lorries, will begin in September, if planning permission is granted.