The UK government is intervening to accelerate the construction of two crucial reservoir projects in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, citing a looming water supply crisis. Environment Secretary Steve Reed designated the Fens Reservoir and the Lincolnshire Reservoir as “nationally significant,” effectively transferring the planning process from local authorities to central government control. This is the first such designation for reservoir projects in over three decades.
Officials warn that without proactive investment in water infrastructure, demand could surpass supply by the middle of the next decade. Factors driving this concern include a rapidly growing population, aging water networks, and the exacerbating effects of climate change. A lack of water availability is also currently hindering the construction of much-needed new homes, particularly in areas like Cambridge.
Anglian Water is leading the Lincolnshire Reservoir project, planned south of Sleaford, while partnering with Cambridge Water on the Fens Reservoir, located between Chatteris and March. The Fens Reservoir aims to supply 87 million litres of water daily to approximately 250,000 homes in the driest region of the UK, with a projected completion date of 2036. The Lincolnshire reservoir will have a capacity of up to 166 million litres per day, potentially serving 500,000 homes, and is slated for completion by 2040.
The government intends to further solidify this streamlined process by legislating to automatically designate major reservoir projects as “nationally significant”. This ensures future projects bypass potentially lengthy local planning delays, facilitating quicker construction and safeguarding long-term water security.
Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasised the government’s commitment to “intervening in the national interest and slashing red tape.” Hardy stated these actions will not only secure water supplies for future generations but also unlock thousands of new homes currently stalled due to water scarcity.
These two projects are part of a wider initiative across England, with water companies committing to deliver nine new reservoirs by 2050. Collectively, these reservoirs have the potential to provide an additional 670 million litres of water daily, bolstering the nation’s resilience to drought and supporting sustainable growth. Both projects will now enter a consultation phase, allowing communities and stakeholders to provide feedback before construction progresses.
