Works planned to prevent sewage pollution in Northumberland seaside village

Northumbrian Water (NWL) has been given the green light for coastal erosion protection measures in Craster.

A planning report on its behalf states: “In order to protect Craster North waste water pumping station and the bankside underneath it, coastal erosion protection measures are required to be undertaken.

"As a result of adverse winter weather, the site has been subject to significant erosion which has exposed a live sewerage pipe and manhole on the coast - significantly increasing the risk of collapse of the pumping station and the risk of a pollution incident in this area.”

Sandbags have already been installed as a temporary measure but the report states that ‘permanent protection measures are required to be installed promptly in summer 2026’.

The proposed project include the installation of 36m of rock armour protection in place of the existing sea wall and other slope stabilisation work.

A temporary construction compound is proposed on land to the south at Craster harbour – which is currently used as storage for fishing equipment and by a food/beverage van.

It is envisaged the works will take around three months to complete.

The area is next to the Northumberland Coast Path and popular walking route to Dunstanburgh Castle.

Northumbrian Water has acknowledged there will be a short term visual impact during the works but, in the longer-term, the rock armour will weather and look similar to the surrounding natural rock.

Parking restrictions along Dunstanburgh Road will be in place for the duration of the works to ensure access for construction delivery vehicles.

Vehicular access will be maintained for local residents.

Concerns about disruption to parking arrangements were raised by two holiday let owners and NWL has agreed to compensate affected landowners.

However, Craster Parish Council stated: “Craster Parish Council wishes to place on record that it fully recognises the disruption these works will cause to residents, visitors and local businesses during an important tourist season.

"The council is acutely aware of the economic sensitivity of Craster during the summer months and does not minimise the impact construction activity will inevitably have upon day-to-day village life."

It added: "However, the parish council also wishes to record that Northumbrian Water has engaged positively and constructively with the local community throughout this process.

“The parish council considers that the evidence accompanying this application overwhelmingly demonstrates both the necessity and urgency of the proposed development.

"The parish council recognises that the pumping station is critical wastewater infrastructure serving the village and wider area and that any structural failure would create an unacceptable risk of sewage discharge into the marine environment, with potentially devastating consequences for public health, the coastal environment, tourism and the local economy.”

There were no objections from statutory consultees.

Senior planning officer at Northumberland County Council, Claire Simm, delegating approval, said: “It is considered that the proposed scheme will ensure the continued safe operation of the pumping station, safeguard public health, and protect the surrounding coastal environment.”