Northern Ireland Water infrastructure restrictions "are the single biggest barrier to growth" in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area, it is claimed.
The charge was made as city councillors grilled NI Water chiefs at Lisburn City and Castlereagh District Council this week. But NI Water officials warned elected reps that projects in need of investment in the area are part of an "ever growing" list.
The local authority held a special meeting with NI Water amid concerns major housing projects and plans for the Maze Long Kesh site are a standstill.
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Lisburn South Alliance Alderman, Amanda Grehan said: "NIW infrastructure restrictions are the single biggest barrier to growth in . This council has great ambition set out in its Local Development Plan (LDP) strategy and we have recent planning applications for housing and more importantly economic growth for jobs in our area.
"So, would it be possible to have an update on where NIW are with new wastewater treatment works in the west Lisburn area? And will it be future proofed to service the growth hopefully for the Maze Long Kesh site?"
Stormont plans for the £300m redevelopment of the Maze Long Kesh site have been stalled for the last 12 years due to a political row on legacy issues. The high-security gaol held paramilitary prisoners during the Troubles and closed in the year 2000.
In recent times part of the lands have been used to host the Balmoral Show, an agricultural showcase event in the Lisburn and Casltereagh City Council (LCCC) district.
In terms of wider investment, the council has outlined plans for housing growth of over 12,000 newbuilds in its LDP-2032, but they are subject to a consultation with NIW over risks to pressure on its waste-water infrastructure. The LDP also looks to create 2,250 jobs in that same period.
NIW head of investment management, Dr Steve Blockwell said: "When you have almost £1bn taken out of your capital programme, wastewater is the Cinderellla of the business and there is not much left after that."
The chamber also heard that over £12m had recently been spent on two NIW projects upgrading the New Holland Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) servicing south Lisburn.
NIW told elected reps that the upgrade would allow for a 20% increase in capacity, though the future of Lisburn west could require an "alternative solution".
However, the "eye watering" statistics were not shared in chambers though the NIW report alluded to a need for a "permanent funding solution".
Councillors were told that any suggestion of incoming water charges for residents was a matter for the NI Assembly to decide.
NIW head of integrated capital delivery, Mark Mitchell said: "We have been looking at Lisburn west, the numbers are astronomical and eye watering.
"So, we have to come up with something better, more economic and delivers better value for money, because there are a lot of things on our plate not least are the water treatment works...as well the Belfast WwTW needs upgrading. Lisburn will take its place and the list is ever growing.
"I am personally trying to lead the charge for a different solution for Lisburn west, that will enable the growth and still maintain a compliant storm over flow."
The Lisburn west zone has been earmarked for a huge £250m housing plan with over 1,300 homes in Blaris close to the Sprucefield retail park, which is also due for major expansion.
The Blaris development had been put on an at risk list by NIW due to concerns of pressure on its waste water infrastructure.
However, developers Neptune Carleton LLP told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Discussion and engagement is continuing between the applicant and NIW to progress matters."
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