Update – 12 August 2024

Local people and organisations have had their say on proposals for a new reservoir in the Fens and its connecting infrastructure. Anglian Water’s and Cambridge Water’s consultation on the new water supply project closed on 9 August, with valuable feedback received.

The second consultation on the reservoir saw the water companies asking for people’s views and insight on the latest proposals for the project, which incorporated feedback from the first consultation.

The proposals included an emerging design for the reservoir – close to Chatteris, Doddington and Wimblington – and the infrastructure, channels, and pipeline routes needed to transfer water to and from the reservoir.

The proposed new reservoir is planned to help secure water supply for the future and strengthen resilience to drought, while also protecting the environment by enabling a reduction in the amount of water taken from environmentally sensitive rivers and underground aquifers.

Reservoirs are sustainable ways of producing resilient, safe drinking water supplies because they take from river catchments which have surplus water. They make the most of wet weather for public water supply, capturing river water that would otherwise drain to the sea and storing it so it’s on tap when needed.

The consultation included a series of in-person events take place in local communities near where the proposals are located, giving people the chance to speak to the project team and ask questions before submitting their views.

People have responded positively to the emerging design for the reservoir, including its bold shape as an intentional feature to create interest and appeal as an attractive destination. People have also expressed excitement over the opportunities the reservoir could bring, and the potential for access to recreation, wildlife, and places to get out and explore.

Feedback has also focussed on the need to think carefully on the potential effects on local communities, roads and transport, agriculture and the local economy, and the natural environment.

The feedback will help the project to take an important step forward, as the team develops the design and more detailed plans for wider considerations such as construction.

So that everyone can see the key themes and issues raised during the consultation, the project team will publish a summary of the feedback later this year.

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

“We want to thank everyone for taking part in the consultation – we’ve received really valuable feedback from local people and stakeholders.”

“It was great to hear such enthusiasm for the emerging design and the opportunities the reservoir could bring, including access to recreational amenities and nature.

“We were pleased to be able to give people a better idea of what the reservoir could look like, and to explain more about our plans for filling the reservoir and treating and supplying the water.

“Although it’s too early to know exactly how we’ll respond to all the feedback, your comments are a key part of developing our proposals. They help us to identify impacts and keep these as low as possible, while maximising benefits for people and nature.

“We know it’s very important for us to consider the effects of our plans on those impacted including homeowners, landowners and nearby communities. We’ll be continuing to engage closely with everyone as our proposals develop.

“We’re now carrying out more work to develop the detail behind our plans, including around the topics that we know are important to people. People have told us they want to know more about how the reservoir will be constructed, how traffic will be managed, and how we’ll protect the environment and manage flood risks. The feedback we’ve received, alongside the environmental assessment work we’re now progressing, will help us to achieve this.

“There will be another opportunity to have a say on the project, as we’ll be holding at least one more phase of consultation before we submit our application for development consent.”

Natalie Akroyd, Director of Quality and Environment for Cambridge Water, said:

“The project has the potential to make a hugely positive impact on our relationship with water, so we’ve been really keen to see what people think about our latest proposals. And we need to know how our plans will impact homeowners, landowners and the local communities.

“Feedback from local people is a vital part of the planning process and will help us move forward with our plans in a way that is sensitive to people, place and the environment.”

“This new water resource will help us to protect the environment by reducing demands on sensitive sources such as chalk streams. The reservoir will have added benefits, not only storing and supplying water but also providing new opportunities for communities and wildlife to thrive.”

To keep up to date with the project you can subscribe for updates by visiting the website www.fensreservoir.co.uk/stay-informed/register/. The project email info@fensreservoir.co.uk and freephone 0800 915 4292 continue to be available if people would like to get in touch. You can also contact us via our freepost address: Freepost Fens Reservoir.