Nearly £28 million could be pumped into improving sewage infrastructure in South Holland if a new plan is given the green light.

Anglian Water is proposing to invest £8.4 million to enhance the Spalding Water Recycling Centre in Spalding with a further £19 million into putting 620 homes in Gedney Hill onto main sewage network as part of a programme to tackle the challenges ahead.

The water company is proposing £9 billion programme of investment between 2025-30 to tackle the pressures created by climate change and growing populations. The plan has been submitted to Ofwat for approval.

The new Thriving East report has shown that the East of England faces critical challenges over the next 20 years due to soaring temperatures, rainfall decreasing and more than 72,000 new residents expected to move into the area.

Latest modelling has shown that Spalding’s treatment works in West Marsh Road are at risk of exceeding its capacity by 2030 – which is one of the reasons it has been earmarked for improvement.

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If the proposals go ahead, new technology could be installed at the plant to help process higher volumes of waste water created by the growing population. It could also be in line for improvements to protect the environment with phosphorous removal technology and increased storm capacity.

Peter Simpson, Chief Executive of Anglian Water, said: “Our purpose is to bring environmental and social prosperity to the region we serve. Our region relies on water to facilitate economic growth, tourism, and to feed a significant part of the population.

“Our role is to facilitate growth and prosperity in the region through significant investment, with our most recent business plan for 2025-30 – our largest ever – outlining a proposed £9bn of essential investment in the region. This plan, created in consultation with regional stakeholders, is designed to address precisely the challenges Thriving East sets out.

“But to achieve this it will require close collaboration with local authorities, businesses, community groups and regulators to unlock opportunities for generations to come. We hope that this acts as a rallying cry to help bring together everyone who shares our ambition to capitalise on the many opportunities and in delivering a prosperous, thriving future for the region.”

As part of the plans, Anglian Water is also looking to connect 620 homes in Gedney Hill to mains sewerage system for the first time.

The water company says that this will help to protect the environment by getting rid of poorly performing private septic systems.

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A total of 12km of new sewer pipes will be laid as part of the plan along with constructing new pumping stations.

Gedney Hill Parish Council chairman Neil Watson said: “The parish council welcome this scheme and the significant investment by Anglian Water in our village.”

Laura Eldridge, South Holland district councillor for ‘The Saints Ward’ which includes Gedney Hill, said: “I am aware of the investment Anglian Water are putting into Gedney Hill to give residents of 620 properties the opportunity to connect to mains drainage. It’s great to see one of the largest villages within my ward getting first time sewerage connected which will hopefully help alleviate issues with flooding for residents and give them a more permanent issue regarding disposal of waste in the future.”