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Extending a wastewater treatment works will reduce the amount of pollution in the River Teifi in west Wales, Welsh Water has claimed.

At the moment the Cardigan wastewater treatment works in Ceredigion currently sees seawater entering the site, especially during high tides.

This results in the plant prematurely spilling untreated effluent.

Campaigners have previously called the pollution problem an "environmental disaster".

A statement by agent Ove Arup and Partners Ltd, acting for Welsh Water, said the works suffers from such premature spills about 200 times a year.

It said the expansion would reduce this and improve water quality in the long-term.

"The proposed development would contribute to the protection of the environment from the adverse effects of untreated urban wastewater entering into the Afon [River] Teifi," read the statement.

"It would also meet environmental standards set out by the regulator."

Current phosphate levels in the river's Special Area of Conservation (SAC) are also delaying planning applications in the borough.

As a result the proposed development would not only improve water quality but support housing and community growth, thereby addressing long-standing local planning issues, according to Welsh Water.

The proposed development would not give rise to unacceptable flood risk on the existing site nor to other surrounding areas, it was claimed.

"Unacceptable levels of odour or noise" which might affect nearby residents was also ruled out.

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.