Since November of 2024 we started to get reports of a disgusting fishy smell in parts of Edenbridge. Following our recent campaign asking people to report these smells directly to the Environmental Health Team at Sevenoaks District Council, we have had contact from them to say they have investigated the smell and it has been identified as the sewage treatment plant!
They have asked that people continue to record when and if they continue to experience these odours and you can download the diary sheets for that here. Once you click on the link it should automatically download.
Once you have filled in your diary please send it to the Environmental Protection team via information@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call on 01732 227000. If emailing say that the email is for the Environmental Protection team as it looks like a generic email address.
The email received with the outcome of the investigation in full is below:
Date: 12/05/2025 15:02 BST
Subject: Odour Complaint Edenbridge
Good afternoon,
Edenbridge Waste Water Treatment Works, Skinners Lane, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6LW
We are writing in response to your recent report of a foul odour in Edenbridge.
The source has been identified as the sewage treatment plant. From contacting Southern Water, they have carried out a full site assessment to ensure everything is working within its capacity. They will continue to monitor the site closely. I have also asked for details of their odour management plan for the site to ensure they are working within the legal term of ‘best practicable means’.
Certain wind directions and warm weather may cause some odour to impact the local area from time to time. Whilst odours cannot be completely eliminated, the smells should not be for prolonged periods of time.
Environmental Health can investigate any persistent odour issue as a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
If I can ask you to keep a record of dates/times you are impacted by the smell within the boundary of your home over the next 2-3 weeks. A set of blank diary sheets are attached. These will enable any patterns to be established and be used as evidence. Once completed, please return to us for review. Our team will also continue to carry out monitoring visits.
Kind regards,
Environmental Protection Officer
Environmental Health Team