Controversial work to build a sewage development at a popular Cardiff park has been hit by delays. Plans for the sewage pumping station at Hailey Park in Llandaff North were approved in September 2022, prompting residents and campaigners to raise thousands of pounds and open a legal challenge against Cardiff Council’s decision. Despite losing the legal challenge, the development proceeded as scheduled. Initially, Welsh Water had planned for work on the pumping station to take place from October 2024 to April 2025.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Welsh Water now anticipates tunnelling work to begin around February 2025, with the site compound removal scheduled for October 2025. The restoration of the field and landscaping is expected to extend into 2026. The delay is attributed to higher-than-expected groundwater flow rates, necessitating additional measures to reduce ground permeability around the pumping station shaft. Welsh Water highlighted the need for these actions to ensure construction safety.
The pumping station at Hailey Park will serve to pump sewage from the Plasdwr housing development across the River Taff to the Cardiff Wastewater Treatment Works, as the Cog Moors Wastewater Treatment Works lacks the capacity to handle all sewage from Plasdwr. Concerns raised by Llandaff North residents and campaigners about the impact on biodiversity and green space accessibility are being addressed through a landscaping scheme accompanying Welsh Water’s plans.
Despite the delays, Welsh Water assured the local community of its commitment to completing the project safely and efficiently. The timeline for the works remains subject to weather conditions and other factors influencing excavation and tunnelling operations. The company is working diligently to minimise disruptions and complete the project as swiftly as possible while ensuring the functionality and long-term integrity of the pumping station.
The delay encountered in the Hailey Park sewage pumping station project exemplifies the challenges faced in executing essential infrastructure developments amidst dynamic environmental conditions. As Welsh Water continues its efforts to navigate the complexities of this project, local stakeholders remain vigilant in monitoring progress and ensuring that environmental and community concerns are adequately addressed.