Derbyshire town faces uncertainty and upheaval over Severn Trent storm tank plan
As water company Severn Trent packed up after a week of events touting its £20million investment in Matlock infrastructure, some residents were left with more questions than answers about a project which could clog the town centre.
As previously reported, representatives for the company popped up at various stops around town April 13-17, meeting residents and businesses to present plans to upgrade Lea Sewage Treatment Works – beginning with a new bridge – in an effort to improve the health of the River Derwent.
However, some of those who attended the sessions said they found details about a second component of the project – constructing a huge new underground storm overflow tank below the Lido car park on Imperial Road – more scarce.
One resident said: “My main issue was that they're going to dig up the Lido car park and close both Bank Road and Imperial Road but they couldn't say when the work would start, nor how long it would take, nor what other impact it might have on the town centre.
"Bank Road is, after all, a pretty major thoroughfare and closing both Imperial Road and the Lido car park will mean all traffic headed for the only town centre alternative car park, M&S, will come down residential Woolley Road.”
The Matlock Mercury put those concerns to Severn Trent, and representatives explained that plans are at such an early stage that many of the project management details are still to be agreed with all the relevant parties.
A spokesperson said: “We’re listening to residents, businesses and councillors in Matlock this week by holding five days of community events to highlight our £20m investment, and inviting locals to discuss their thoughts with us, before we finalise our plans.
“Plans for the storage tank are at an early stage but, once in place, it will help prevent potential spills during heavy rain, helping further protect the River Derwent.
“We do understand concerns about disruption, which is why we’re staging these events to help shape our plans and keep that disruption to a minimum. Visitors have been generally positive about the plans which, once completed, will ensure Matlock has a more resilient network for future generations – while better protecting the River Derwent.”
While the end result may bring residents more peace of mind than the semi-regular sight of sewage discharge into the river, reaching that point will mean some temporary blockages.
Like many English towns, Matlock’s sewer network was built for a very different climate and population.
During very heavy rainfall, large volumes of rainwater can enter the sewer system and if there isn’t enough capacity to manage that flow, this can cause flooding to homes and businesses or spills.
The idea is to intercept these flows, and direct them into storage until the network regains sufficient capacity, at which point it can be pumped back into the network for treatment at the treatment works.
The tank is expected to measure around seven metres in diameter, five meters in height and hold around 200,000 litres.
That is relatively modest compared to the 1,800 square metre car park, but it will take a sizeable hole dug by heavy machinery operating in the middle of Matlock’s busiest streets.
There is an existing storm overflow located on Bank Road, adjacent to the Lido car park, which partly explains Severn Trent’s choice of location after weighing up various alternatives. Severn Trent’s spokesperson said: “Because Matlock’s roads are narrow and space is limited, we’re planning this investment location‑by‑location, rather than treating it as one large, blanket scheme. And we are engaging now to understand any concerns so we can take them into account as we continue to plan.
“Plans are yet to be finalised, but one option is the potential closure of the Lido car park during the tank construction.
“Other elements are being developed with Derbyshire County Council, local authorities and other partners to account for traffic, events and other local constraints."
If those constraints include concerns about traffic flow, footfall and the impact on residential streets and local traders, Severn Trent would not be drawn into discussion about any support on offer to those affected.
The spokesperson said: “We know disruption affects residents and businesses differently, especially where access and footfall are concerned. Our approach is based on early and clear communication before works start, regular, location‑specific updates during construction, and working closely with councils, businesses and stakeholders to understand and respond to impacts as they arise
“We also encourage businesses and residents to raise concerns early so we can look at practical mitigations where possible and have held specific business sessions this week to listen to feedback. The community sessions have been very well attended and we’ve had lots of positive feedback.”