OPPOSITION to a new sewage works in Beachley would disappear if it was moved just 50 yards down the road, argue residents.

Welsh Water is planning to build a pumping station on farmland opposite houses in Loop Road which have long enjoyed views across the Severn Estuary.

The scheme aims to reduce the risk of sewage contamination to 110 houses in the area because the current system of septic tanks and a private gravity sewer are not able to deal with the volume of waste.

The company says it did look at other sites but the only other alternative that would be viable would affect more houses.

The pumping station will be below ground but there will be a green metal control box and a green metal fence which could block views to the river.

Gloucestershire county council, which has granted planning permission, received about 30 letters from members of the public who said they supported the development but were opposed to the site.

Mr Tim Whatley, whose house is directly opposite the proposed site, said: "We can't understand why Welsh Water are being so insensitive about this.

"If they moved it 30 or 40 metres along the road there wouldn't be a problem. If they keep the fencing where it is proposed we will be looking at an ugly six feet fence and a building right in front of our house which is not necessary.

"There is a pumping station in Chepstow near the Boat Inn but there is no high fence – so why do they need so much security in a rural area like this?"

In its application to the planning department, Welsh Water says it did look at other sites including one 200m away – but that would have had a greater impact on more houses.

The company said locating the station further away from the network would mean significant engineering and would have a "large environmental impact".

And it said the security fence is needed because the control kiosk will contain valuable equipment.