Proposed Cambridgeshire reservoir consultation attracts comments on scheme’s impact

Water companies have been told to ‘think carefully’ about the impact of their plans for a new reservoir in the Cambridgeshire Fens.

Met Office projections suggest the region can expect hotter and drier summers and wetter winters, meaning that there is a pressing need to store winter water to cope with summer droughts.

The water companies say that unless bold action is taken demand will outstrip the available supply by nearly 600 million litres per day by 2050.

The proposed reservoir – close to Chatteris, Doddington and Wimblington – could supply enough water for around a quarter of a million homes.

A consultation on the emerging design together with proposals for how to fill the reservoir, treat the water, and transfer it to homes and businesses ended on 9 August.

Anglian Water and Cambridge Water said hundreds of pieces of feedback had been received, which will help shape more detailed plans for areas including construction.

They said people responded positively to the emerging design, including its bold shape. People 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.

However, feedback 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.

A summary of the feedback from the consultation, which was the second to be held on the plans, will be published later this year.

Dr Geoff Darch, head of supply demand strategy for Anglian Water, said: “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/.