Anglian Water shares feedback on new reservoir plans to secure future water supplies.

Environment and recreation highlighted as key themes in feedback on proposed reservoir in Lincolnshire.

Anglian Water has this week published a summary of the feedback received following their first phase of consultation on the proposed new reservoir in Lincolnshire that will secure water supply to customers for future generations. It can be viewed online at: www.lincsreservoir.co.uk/documents/

Feedback received was in response to the water company’s first phase of consultation launched in Autumn 2022 during which the community and wider stakeholders were asked for their views on what the reservoir could deliver to help shape the design of the reservoir.

This was the first of a minimum of three phases of consultation and this early feedback, together with the commencement of environmental surveys and assessments, will help to develop design proposals for the reservoir.

Dr Geoff Darch, Head of Supply Demand Strategy for Anglian Water said:

“After the driest February in more than 60 years in the East of England, it’s clear that we can expect more extreme weather as our climate continues to change. This will put even more pressure on our region’s water resources meaning that we need to plan now for a future with more people and less rainfall.

“Our region receives a third less rainfall than average, so we’re well versed in preparing for periods of prolonged dry weather and carefully managing our resources to ensure we can meet demand while leaving plenty in the environment for nature to thrive. That’s why projects like this are so critical for the future, as without taking this action now, our region’s facing a huge water deficit.

More than 800 people attended community and online events for the reservoir which is proposed to be located south-east of Sleaford and close to the villages of Helpringham and Scredington, which could supply enough water for half a million homes. Since the consultation closed, the company has been considering all feedback to understand what the community and stakeholders would like to see from the proposals.

The feedback received followed Anglian Water’s call for those in the community to share their local insight on what they would most like to see the reservoir deliver. They also asked for feedback on the area identified for the reservoir, the pink area (for the proposed reservoir and its embankments) and grey area (for supporting infrastructure, construction and additional measures).

Anglian Water received 330 feedback submissions from people sharing their thoughts, concerns and ideas on what the reservoir could bring. Alongside public feedback, local authorities, specialist organisations, and representatives from the agricultural community also responded to the consultation.

People have asked the project to be sensitive to those people and businesses within the area, and to be considerate of the surrounding natural environment and the potential effects on local roads.

Alongside concerns for affected landowners and homeowners, people are also keen to see the benefits the project could bring to the local area, including outdoor recreation such as walking and cycling, and areas for nature and wildlife.

The feedback is now being considered by the team to inform the development of the project, ahead of a second phase of consultation in 2024.

Dr Geoff Darch, added:

“We want to thank everyone for the feedback they submitted as part of our first phase of consultation. It is vital communities engage with us and we listen to them and their reactions to our proposals.

“The reservoir in Lincolnshire forms a vital part of our plan to protect our region’s water supply for years to come. Our vision for this project goes beyond building a reservoir – we want to create a place where water, people and nature come together.

“While it’s clear from the feedback we’ve received that many people see the potential of creating a place for communities and visitors to enjoy, we similarly appreciate the concerns of affected businesses, residents and landowners.

“We understand the importance of considering the effects of our plans on the area. The feedback we’ve received will help us to identify opportunities for potential benefits and better understand any concerns. We value this local insight, which has emphasised the importance of the reservoir design, how it should help encourage positive outcomes for the local community, and other more specific issues such as local road conditions and food security.

“Throughout 2023, our team will be conducting surveys of the proposed site to help inform our environmental assessments of the project. We’re working closely with landowners to agree access for surveys and to answer ongoing questions about what our plans mean for properties and businesses.

“Over the course of the year we’ll develop a design of the reservoir, adding detail to potential features and how we propose to use the land in the pink and grey areas we’ve identified. This includes how it will be accessed, supporting infrastructure, and recreational opportunities.

“We look forward to giving everyone another opportunity to have their say on the proposals at our next phase of consultation in 2024, when we will be sharing our updated designs.”

The feedback summary can be found on the project website www.lincsreservoir.co.uk, alongside Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and other information materials.

The project email info@lincsreservoir.co.uk and freephone 0800 915 4291 continue to be available if people would like to get in touch. You can also contact the freepost address: Freepost Lincolnshire Reservoir.