COUNCILLORS have explained their decision to give the go-ahead to temporary sewage works next to homes in Cumnor Hill.

Persimmon Homes were on Wednesday given the go-ahead to build the plant as part of its 192 home development at Cumnor Ridge.

Neighbours may have to put up with the sewage plant until Thames Water finds a permanent solution, which it says would be by the end of 2012 at the latest.

But resident Gary McCartan, 48, was still worried by the decision at Vale of White Horse’s planning committee meeting.

He said: “We are gutted we lost the vote on the night. Our objections were based around health and safety and the fact they are putting a sewage plant next to someone’s house which they did not buy on that basis.”

Mr McCartan was also unhappy local councillor John Woodford voted in favour of the application.

But Mr Woodford explained his decision. He said: “Rather than voting as a local member I have to vote as a planner. My decision was taken as a member of the planning committee.

“The Environment Agency had no objections and if your statutory consultant says they have no problem with it that is where it ends.

“If it went to appeal the inspector would most probably have charged us with costs.”

The need for a temporary sewage plant came to light when it emerged the sewage system was found to be unable to cope with the extra 192 houses planned as part of the new development.

Councillor Roger Cox, cabinet member for planning at Vale of the White Horse District Council said: “The application for a sewage treatment plant on Cumnor Hill was considered very carefully by the planning committee.

“As it is a temporary measure, and as it is a sealed unit and mostly underground, it was felt the treatment plant would not detract from the character of the area, the amenities of neighbours, or create flooding or road safety problems.”