In a decisive move to tackle mounting concerns over water shortages, the Government has taken control of the planning process for two major reservoir projects in England, with Environment Secretary Steve Reed designating them as “nationally significant infrastructure”.
The two projects, proposed by Anglian Water and Cambridge Water, are located in Lincolnshire and the Fens region of Cambridgeshire. By elevating the schemes to a national level, ministers aim to fast-track approvals, streamline development, and ensure water security for over 750,000 homes in some of the country’s most water-stressed areas.
The Lincolnshire reservoir, to be built south of Sleaford, is expected to deliver up to 166 million litres of water a day—enough for half a million households—once operational in 2040. Meanwhile, the Fens Reservoir between Chatteris and March is projected to provide 87 million litres daily by 2036, supplying water to approximately 250,000 homes in the driest region of the UK.
“These reservoirs are the first to be built in over three decades and represent a turning point in how we manage our national water infrastructure,” said Mr Reed. “By designating them as nationally significant, we are ensuring vital projects aren’t held back by delays in local planning processes. We must act now to protect our water supply for future generations.”
The Government is also set to introduce legislation that will automatically classify large reservoir schemes as “nationally significant infrastructure projects” (NSIPs), ensuring similar projects in the future benefit from accelerated planning procedures.
The intervention comes amid stark warnings from officials and water industry experts. Rapid population growth, ageing water networks, and the effects of climate change are placing increasing pressure on the UK’s drinking water supply. Without new reservoirs and improved infrastructure, the Environment Department warns that demand could exceed supply by the mid-2030s.
Parts of the country, including the Cambridge region, are already experiencing development constraints due to insufficient water availability. The shortage has become a stumbling block for much-needed housing development in growth areas, further underscoring the urgency of investment in new water storage solutions.
Water Minister Emma Hardy echoed the importance of swift action. “We are intervening in the national interest and slashing red tape to make the planning process faster,” she said. “This is not just about safeguarding water resources. It’s also about unlocking the construction of thousands of homes, supporting economic growth, and strengthening climate resilience.”
She also highlighted the broader national strategy, noting that water companies have committed to delivering nine new reservoirs by 2050 across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Suffolk, Kent, East Sussex, and the West Midlands. Collectively, these projects could supply an additional 670 million litres of water each day to the national grid.
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Both designated reservoirs will now enter a formal consultation phase, with input from local communities and stakeholders to help shape the final designs and environmental impact assessments. While the projects have drawn general support, there will likely be scrutiny over land use, biodiversity impact, and local disruption.
Anglian Water welcomed the move, stating it represents a “critical milestone in securing a resilient water future for eastern England”. The company pledged to work closely with affected communities and ensure that the reservoirs bring lasting environmental and economic benefits.
The Government’s move signals a broader shift towards centralised decision-making for critical infrastructure, prioritising long-term resilience over short-term planning hurdles. As the UK faces growing environmental challenges, ministers say this proactive approach will be essential to securing the nation’s future prosperity and sustainability.
