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Public reveal wish-list for Fens reservoir plan

Janine MachinEast of England technology correspondent
Anglian Water An aerial artist's impression of a new reservoir. The water is in the centre, in a pool shaped like the cross section of a snail shell. There is a jetty and small island. The water is surrounded by landscaped grounds and then green fields. Roads, including the A141, Forty Foot Drain and Sixteen Foot Drain run along three sides of the site. Anglian Water
Fens Reservoir could be supplying around 250,000 homes with water from 2036

Anglian Water has published the results of its latest consultation into plans to build a new reservoir in the Cambridgeshire Fens.

Of the 438 responses, the main concern was around the impact of traffic on surrounding roads, and the safety of junctions during and after construction.

The public's wish-list for the site ranks toilets, cafes, wildlife viewing spots and sufficient low-cost parking among the top priorities.

Fens Reservoir has been designated a project of national significance in order to help safeguard the water supply in one of the UK's driest regions and aims to be operational by 2036.

An aerial image of the area the reservoir is due to be built on. It shows a patchwork of green fields with the buildings of Chatteris faintly visible in the distance.
Anglian Water is due to build the reservoir on this land, with surplus water piped in from the region's rivers

Fens Reservoir, planned on land north of Chatteris, is one of two new reservoirs which the government is prioritising - the other is in Lincolnshire.

It would supply water to roughly 250,000 homes, and provide new recreational and educational facilities and wildlife wetlands.

The reservoir would be fed by the region's rivers when levels are high and store the water for drier months.

Anglian Water said a consultation on the plans, which closed last December, showed that 90% of those who responded would visit the site at least annually, with almost half attending monthly.

There were concerns raised about how the reservoir would sit in a flat landscape, disruption during the construction phase, and impact on the local community and wildlife.

People requested that car park payment was not app-only and some called for a railway line to be extended to Chatteris to bring additional benefits.

The importance of using local businesses as suppliers was also raised.

Anglian Water called the feedback "really valuable" and said it will be "using it to shape our proposals."

Further studies are now taking place until December to establish the ground conditions and ecology in areas earmarked for pipe infrastructure and the main reservoir.

This will involve drilling boreholes and excavation pits, but the company said it is not a sign of construction beginning on the project.

A planning application is due to be submitted in 2027.

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