Plans for a new South Lincolnshire Reservoir have taken a step forward this week with Anglian Water‘s submission of further details to Ofwat, the water regulator.

These details don’t yet include a proposed site for the reservoir. Work to identify a suitable site is ongoing and it is currently anticipated that the first phase of public consultation regarding a preferred option will begin in Spring 2022.

Anglian Water’s submission does include some concepts for different designs for the reservoir and associated infrastructure. While the primary objective is to provide a greater supply of drinking water, there are other planned uses such as flood management and crop irrigation.

The plans are to be considered as not simply a reservoir but a system of infrastructure, including a reservoir but also other elements such as pipelines, open channels for transferring water, and a treatment works. I do welcome the consideration being given for looking at how the proposals could provide leisure opportunities, such as new walking and cycling routes and possibly navigable waterways. This may also provide longer term economic benefits.

The timing of the start of construction is currently unclear and will depend upon further work to understand future water demand increases. The current earliest start for enabling works ahead of the main construction is Spring 2027 with a best case of Spring 2035 for the reservoir to be fully operational after construction, filling, and commissioning work.

Given the scale of these proposals, they wouldn’t be subject to a normal planning application. As a “Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project”, instead permission would be via the Development Consent Order process which is managed by the Planning Inspectorate rather than local councils. The final decision will be made by a government minister based on the recommendation of the Planning Inspectorate. This is a long and detailed process.

While the proposed site location has yet to be confirmed, it remains difficult to assess the potential impact, both positive and negative, of these plans on our area. However if the plans do include some leisure provision then clearly given this will be located in South Lincolnshire this may still be of interest even if the site isn’t in close proximity to Deeping.

I’ll continue to monitor these proposals as they move forward to ensure I can understand what impacts there may be on our area at the earliest possible opportunity.

Further information:
https://affinitywater.uk.engagementhq.com/strategic-resource-options including Gate 1 South Lincolnshire Reservoir (SLR) submission

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