Developers behind 3,500 new homes on the edge of Norwich want to build a new wastewater treatment plant to overcome environmental issues affecting the scheme.
Stretton Beeston has lodged proposals for the 4.6-acre facility, which would take and treat wastewater produced by those living at its planned Beeston Park development.
The huge housing scheme, north of Sprowston and Old Catton, will be one of the biggest developments in Norfolk, with up to 3,520 homes built on 600 acres of land.
But, like thousands of other homes in the county, the development has been caught up in the limbo triggered by a directive to protect waterways from pollution.
READ MORE: How two words left thousands of Norfolk homes in limbo
In March 2022, an intervention by government advisors Natural England halted decisions over housing applications within the catchment areas of the River Wensum and the Broads.
The directive came amid fears that habitats could be polluted by phosphate and nutrient run-offs from housing schemes, for instance in wastewater.
Councils were told they could not grant permission unless developments could prove they would not lead to an increase in such pollution.
Or, if they would, then measures would be needed to mitigate for that.
That is why Stretton Beeston has applied to Norfolk County Council to build the wastewater treatment works.
Papers lodged with County Hall state: "The proposed treatment works will ensure any additional wastewater load associated with incoming development is neutralised before discharge is released back into the environment."
Stretton Beeston has already applied to Broadland District Council for permission to create a wetland on the border of Dobbs' Beck.
The treated effluent from the new wastewater treatment works will be discharged into the wetlands.
One person has lodged an objection with County Hall because of concerns over the potential smell from the facility.
READ MORE: Concerns about 3,500-home Beeston Park site near Norwich
But the developer's consultants, in documents lodged with the council, state: "Evidentially, the proposal will not result in an unacceptable level of noise or odour and as a result will protect the amenity of local residents."
The county council will make a decision in due course.
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