Massive new reservoir is 'nationally significant' project for planners
Planning permission for a massive new reservoir will be decided by the Government, not by a local authority, Thames Water has announced.
The reservoir, which would be south west of Abingdon, would produce up to 270 million litres of water per day, providing additional water supplies to 15 million people.
It is expected to nearly be as big as Gatwick Airport and has faced repeated local opposition.
READ MORE: Judicial review hearing for reservoir near Abingdon
In January, Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed plans for the new reservoir, and now the utility company has announced that Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, directed that the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) project be recognised as "nationally significant".
Leonie Dubois, left, Thames Water's head of engagementUnder the Planning Act 2008, Thames Water will need to seek planning approval at national level, submitting an application for a Development Consent Order in 2026.
The announcement comes as the plan for the reservoir is about to be the subject of a judicial review.
GARD's (Group Against Reservoir Development) sister company Saferwaters, and countryside charity CPRE Oxfordshire, launched the bid for the judicial review, and Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) will make the case for the reservoir.
The hearing is expected to take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
Embankment tests for the new reservoirNevil Muncaster, Strategic Water Resources Director, Thames Water said: 'While we've always known our proposed reservoir is of national importance, the Government's recognition of its significance brings us one step closer to securing water supply for 15 million people across the South East. 'The right planning process and finance model is fundamental to securing our water future, delivering a cost-effective project for customers and safeguarding the environment. "Although this project has achieved national significance, local communities remain at the heart of our plans. We're committed to engaging with local people throughout the process, which is why I'd encourage everyone to attend our information events this summer.
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"These sessions provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about our proposals, understand the benefits and to speak to the team."
GARD spokesman Derek Stork said the latest Thames Water announcement was "not news":
He added: "The SESRO Project has been a potential 'Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project' since the process of assessing these large water infrastructure projects was set up by government regulators in 2020.
"To progress beyond a potential NSIP, the project must pass through a Development Consent Order (DCO) process, for SESRO this will take place in 2026/27.
As the DCO has not happened yet, Thames Water cannot announce that anything has ' been accepted'.
The 'local democracy' that has been bypassed in this case stems from the decision by Steve Reed to nod SESRO through to the DCO stage (again not news as it happened in August 2024) ignoring calls for a public inquiry."
Mr Stork added: "It is this bypassing of local democracy which we are contesting at the High Court next week. Thames Water's latest announcement is to try and cloud the 'ether' around the court hearing."
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 'South East England is projected to face water shortages by 2030. That is why the Government is intervening in the public interest to speed up the planning process and unblock new reservoirs.
'This Government will secure our water supply for future generations while protecting the environment and unlocking the building of thousands of homes as part of the Plan for Change.'
Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover said: "Many of my constituents have significant concerns about the impact of such a large reservoir on the environment, increased flood risk, and whether a reservoir is the most effective way to secure the region's water supply. This is why I have backed calls for a full public inquiry.
"The water minister has postponed my meeting with her until after the upcoming court hearing about whether there should be a judicial review into the decision not to hold a public inquiry. I will be raising the significant local concerns and opposition to this project with her in person as soon as possible.'
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