Content

Endorsement of Fenland District
Council’s response to the Fens Reservoir Phase 3 Consultation
as set out in Appendix 1.

Reasons for the decision

Fenland District Council (FDC)
is a statutory consultee in the development of the proposed Fens
Reservoir, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project led by
Anglian Water. As the local planning authority, FDC has a central
role in scrutinising the emerging proposals, ensuring that local
communities, the economy and the environment are fully considered,
and influencing the development of the scheme prior to statutory
consultation and the later Development Consent Order (DCO)
process.
 
Scope of Anglian Water’s Phase Three
Consultation
 
In this third phase of
non-statutory consultation, Anglian Water has presented its most
up-to-date proposals for the project. The material
includes:
 
·        
updated design proposals for the main reservoir
site, including landscape illustrations, community connections and
potential features for people and nature
·        
information on proposed water sources and the
associated transfer, treatment and supply infrastructure
·        
early thinking on project delivery, including
construction phasing and transport options
·        
Anglian Water’s approach to environmental
assessment, outlining potential impacts identified so far and
possible mitigation during construction and operation
·        
initial proposals for powering the reservoir,
including renewable technology options
 
This information provides the
basis on which FDC has assessed the emerging scheme and prepared
its consultation response.
 
Overview of FDC’s Key Comments
 
FDC is broadly supportive of
the ambition behind the Fens Reservoir and recognises the
significant opportunity it presents to deliver long-term water
security while also addressing some of the district’s
deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. However, the Council has
identified several areas requiring further development,
clarification or commitment. Key themes from FDC’s response
include:
 
·        
Placemaking as a guiding principle – FDC
welcomes the placemaking focus but emphasises that it must shape
the whole masterplan to ensure the reservoir becomes a
high-quality, inclusive and engaging place for residents and
visitors.
·        
Strong connections to nearby communities –
Clearer commitments are needed to active travel and public
transport links, with Manea, March, Chatteris, Doddington and
Wimblington all treated as key access points.
·        
Landscape, habitat and ecological design – A
more diverse habitat mosaic, early habitat creation, robust peat
management and long-term ecological stewardship are essential to
realising the project’s nature recovery potential.
·        
Recreation, community benefit and visitor economy
– FDC supports a vibrant, year-round destination and seeks
assurances that key elements—such as the primary and
secondary visitor centres—will be secured. A balanced mix of
free and paid-for activities is required to ensure equitable
access.
·        
Movement and transport – A coherent,
future-facing movement strategy is needed. FDC raises concerns
about current internal road alignments and expects a stronger
emphasis on safe, direct and attractive active travel
routes.
·        
Hydrology and water quality – FDC highlights
the need for detailed assessment of groundwater, drainage and water
transfer impacts, as well as a robust water quality management plan
for the reservoir and lagoon.
 
Overall, FDC’s response
is constructive and focused on maximising the lasting social,
environmental and economic benefits of the project. The Council
remains committed to working collaboratively with Anglian Water and
partner organisations to shape a reservoir that delivers genuine
long-term value for Fenland and the wider region.

Alternative options considered

N/A