Reservoir plan hits setback (From Oxford Mail)

Reservoir plan hits setback

2:28pm Thursday 4th September 2008 in

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A high-level Environment Agency report has called for Thames Water to re-examine its plans to build a huge new reservoir between Abingdon and Wantage.

In an official response to plans by the water company, the agency said Thames Water needed to do more to demonstrate the need for the £1bn reservoir.

It called on the company to revise "substantial parts" of the plan, produce further information to back up its case - and do more to encourage people to use water efficiently.

The report stated: "The draft plan is not aligned with some important elements of Government and Environment Agency policies and objectives surrounding metering, leakage and consumption of water."

Consultation on Thames Water's plans ended last week and the Government will decide whether to hold a public inquiry into the scheme.

If the reservoir remains in Thames Water's plans, the company is likely to submit a planning application early in 2010, with the aim of completing the reservoir by 2021.

Farmer Bob Tyrrell, who would lose farmland in Steventon, said: "I don't think there is a need for a reservoir here - and 99 per cent of the residents in Steventon and surrounding villages don't either."

Oxfordshire County Council leader Keith Mitchell said: "We are pleased and encouraged by the response from the Environment Agency.

"Surely every possible alternative option should be looked at before such a drastic move as creating an enormous reservoir is pursued?"

In a letter to Thames Water, Mr Mitchell raised concerns over water consumption and leakages.

Thames Water says it will respond to the consultation next month.