Specialist CPO solicitor, Catherine Hibbert, takes a look at the current situation regarding the proposed Fens and Lincolnshire Reservoir schemes.
This proposal for a new reservoir between Chatteris and March in Cambridgeshire being promoted jointly by Cambridge Water and Anglian Water is gaining momentum and, following a public consultation round in summer 2024, the Planning Inspectorate in December 2024 adopted a scoping opinion which will define the parameters of the information and issues which the scheme promoters must address in the environmental impact assessment to be submitted as part of the application for development consent.
The timeline for this proposal has been updated; it is currently anticipated that the application for development consent will be submitted in 2026/2027, followed by a public examination in 2027, with a view to the new water supply being available for use in 2036 (subject to Secretary of State approval).
This proposal for a new reservoir south of Sleaford and half-way between Boston and Grantham, being promoted by Anglian Water was likewise subject to a public consultation round in summer 2024. The timeline for this proposal has also been updated and it is currently hoped to submit an application for development consent in 2028/29 following two further consultation rounds planned for 2026 and 2027. The plan is for the new reservoir to be in supply by 2039 (subject to Secretary of State approval). Surveys in the area are planned for 2025 with data captured to be used to help shape the detail of the proposal.
Of note for homeowners, affected by either the Fens Reservoir or the Lincolnshire Reservoir proposals, Residential Property Support Schemes were launched in spring 2024 which offer financial assistance to qualifying homeowners with property inside the relevant indicative project boundary who wish to sell but find that their ability to do so is affected as a result of these proposals. These are discretionary schemes and they do offer an avenue of relief to qualifying applicants in certain circumstances. Notably, qualifying homeowners must be able to demonstrate that they will suffer hardship if they are unable to sell their property in the near future as a result of their individual circumstances which may, for example, include family, employment or medical needs. An unaffected market value for the relevant property will be set, informed by independent valuation advice; qualifying home-owners will then need to be able to demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to sell their home on the open market at a price in keeping with prevailing market conditions. Essentially, if an application under one of these schemes is accepted, then where a low offer/no offer is received during marketing, the scheme promotors may ‘top-up’ the difference between the agreed unaffected market value (i.e. a no reservoir proposal scenario) and the sale price actually achieved- unless they purchase the property themselves at the agreed market value.
If you have concerns about the impact of either of these reservoir proposals on your home, please do not hesitate to contact one of the dedicated team of specialist compulsory purchase and development consent order solicitors at Holmes & Hills LLP for advice.
Call us on 01206 593933 today to speak with one of our compulsory purchase order solicitors. Or complete the form below.
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