Reservoir plan 'nationally significant' - government

Thames Water plans to submit its proposals next year

A plan to build one of the UK's largest reservoirs will be considered by the government, after it was designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

The £2.2bn South East Strategic Reservoir Option, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is a Thames Water project to cope with increasing demand and climate change.

The decision to designate the proposal as nationally significant means it will be considered by the government, not the local planning authority.

Thames Water, which plans to submit its proposal in 2026, says the new reservoir would secure water supply for 15 million people across southern England.

Water Minister, Emma Hardy, said the government was "intervening in the public interest to speed up the planning process and unblock new reservoirs".

"This Government will secure our water supply for future generations while protecting the environment and unlocking the building of thousands of homes as part of the Plan for Change," she added.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said the government was "interviewing in the public interest"

In January, Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated government support for the Abingdon reservoir.

However, it has met with environmental objections from the Campaign to Protect Rural England - as well as from Oxfordshire County Council and Vale of White Horse District Council.

Next week a judicial review into Thames Water's proposals for the reservoir is set to take place at the High Court.

It follows Environment Secretary Steve Reed's approval of the water company's Water Resource Management Plan - which includes the reservoir scheme - last year.

Thames Water's proposals would see the 150 billion litre (150 Mm3) reservoir cover 7 sq km (2.7 sq miles) of Oxfordshire countryside.

The water company said it would "unlock economic growth, support new housing and infrastructure development, and create around 1,000 jobs during its construction".

It added that an independent company would finance and build the reservoir, which would "deliver better value for money" for customers.

The reservoir would cover 7 sq km (2.7 sq miles) of Oxfordshire countryside

Nevil Muncaster, the company's strategic water resources director, said: "While we've always known our proposed reservoir is of national importance, the Government's recognition brings us one step closer to securing water supply for 15 million people across the South East."

"Although this project has achieved national significance, local communities remain at the heart of our plans," he added.

Thames Water will be hosting four community information events next month to share updates and speak to local people about the project.

The company will also hold a statutory consultation later this year, ahead of its planning submission in 2026.