Anglian Water is warning developers it will object to planning applications in areas where its system is at risk of being overwhelmed.

The firm says it may also ask for conditions to be placed on some planning applications, stating new properties can not be occupied until it has carried out improvements.

"The situation is broadly the same across our region," a spokesman said. "There are pockets where we don’t have capacity, so we’ll be objecting or placing conditions on development.

"Obviously all of this is subject to the planning authority’s final decision."

A number of areas have suffered problems with sewers overflowing in recent years, including Pott Row and Grimston, near King's Lynn.

Raw sewage overflowing down a lane at Grimston, near King's Lynn (Image: Gaywood River Revival) Developers currently have an automatic right to connect to water firms' sewers, regardless of whether the infrastructure can cope.

The government has told West Norfolk Council some 10,500 homes are needed in its area by 2040 to stave off housing shortages.

Water firms are not statutory consultees, meaning planning authorities are not legally-obliged to take their objections or any conditions they request into account.

North West Norfolk MP James Wild said: "I have supported making water companies statutory consultees for planning applications for housing given the obvious pressure these place on the existing sewerage network.

"Anglian Water should already be opposing housing developments if their network can’t cope and........

© Eastern Daily Press