Government Seizes Control of Key Water Infrastructure Projects
The UK government has officially seized control over planning approvals for two pivotal reservoir projects, marking the first such intervention by an environment secretary since the 1990s. Environment Secretary Steve Reed has designated Anglian Water’s proposed reservoirs in East Anglia and Lincolnshire as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), accelerating their planning process by shifting decision-making authority from local authorities to the secretary of state.
This significant move is intended to tackle growing challenges related to water supply exacerbated by rapid population growth, ageing infrastructure, and climate change. Officials have raised alarms, stating that without new water infrastructure, large-scale housebuilding projects could be hindered, and water shortages may worsen in some of England's most vulnerable regions, particularly in East Anglia and Lincolnshire.
Details of the Reservoir Projects
The two reservoirs planned by Anglian Water, with the Fens project in collaboration with Cambridge Water, aim to support substantial new housing developments and communities already facing water shortages.
- Lincolnshire Reservoir: Planned south of Sleaford, this reservoir is expected to be operational by 2040 and will provide up to 166 million litres of water per day, sufficient to supply around 500,000 homes.
- Fens Reservoir: Located between Chatteris and March in Cambridgeshire, it is targeted for completion by 2036, contributing approximately 87 million litres per day to about 250,000 homes.
At present, thousands of proposed new homes in areas such as Cambridge and North Sussex are facing delays due to water availability concerns. The government views the development of these reservoirs as essential in unlocking housing projects and ensuring long-term water resilience.
Consultation Phase and Future Prospects
The reservoir projects will now proceed to a consultation phase, allowing local residents and other stakeholders to express their opinions before final approvals are granted. This consultation process has been expedited by the NSIP designation, which the government plans to standardize for essential water infrastructure projects in upcoming legislation.
This decision follows warnings from the Environment Agency regarding an increasing risk of drought this summer, prompted by the driest start to spring recorded in nearly seven decades. Given that no new reservoirs have been constructed in the UK since 1992, the urgency for such infrastructure is pronounced.
Broader Government Infrastructure Initiatives
These reservoir projects are part of a wider infrastructure initiative outlined by the government as part of its Plan for Change, which aims to deliver 150 major projects during this parliamentary term to boost housing, employment, and economic growth. Water companies across the country have made commitments to bring nine new reservoirs into operation by 2040 in several counties, adding a total potential of 670 million litres of water daily.
In addition to these projects, Anglian Water has begun engaging with suppliers for the detailed design and construction of the reservoirs, which are expected to cost around £5 billion combined. The company is also seeking a delivery partner for its £10 billion AMP8 plans that include preliminary work on these reservoirs.
Expert Opinions on the Initiative
Sian Thomas, director of strategic asset management at Anglian Water, emphasized the importance of supporting economic growth as integral to their mission. She stated, "Our vision for the reservoirs goes beyond simply creating a new public water supply. This is a significant investment in England’s water infrastructure and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver lasting benefits for people, place, and the environment. Not only will the reservoirs be critical in keeping taps running, but they also mean more water can be left in some of the region’s most environmentally sensitive habitats, by reducing the need for abstraction." Mark Tindale, strategy director at Stantec, noted that the need for accelerated water resilience is clearer than ever, particularly in light of the current dry season. He stated, “If we’re going to address long-term housing and economic growth, climate change impacts, and water scarcity issues, the pace of delivery for both housing and water schemes needs to become more aligned.”
Government Support and Future Directions
Water Minister Emma Hardy remarked, “Today we are backing the builders not the blockers, intervening in the national interest and slashing red tape to make the planning process faster to unblock nine new reservoirs. This government will secure our water supply for future generations and unlock the building of thousands of homes as part of the Plan for Change.”
David Black, chief executive of Ofwat, conveyed a positive outlook on the government’s focus on expediting the delivery of water supply and resilience schemes, stating this initiative represents one of the largest programs of major water infrastructure projects in decades.
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