Abberton plans - the next step

17/01/2007

Residents are being given a further opportunity to find out more about proposals to enlarge Abberton   reservoir.

Essex & Suffolk Water wants to enlarge the reservoir, near Colchester, by 60 per cent to ensure that Essex has a sustainable water supply for the 21st century and beyond.
   
The latest newsletter on the progress of the Abberton scheme has been sent to around 1,600 homes to keep residents up-to-date with the latest news and information sessions that have been held in Layer de la Haye and Peldon were well attended.

Demand for water in Essex is predicted to rise by around 6% over the next 25 years, almost entirely due to an increase in population.

When this growth is combined with a typically dry climate there is a need for a long-term and sustainable increase in water resources.

The proposal to enlarge Abberton reservoir is the culmination of a process that considered some 250 possible sites across East Anglia.  The larger reservoir will be able to store more water and is the most appropriate option from an environmental, engineering and economic perspective.

Under the proposals, the existing Essex Wildlife Trust visitors centre will be relocated to larger premises as part of the enlargement and the B1026 will be diverted.

Planning applications for the Abberton scheme are due to be submitted in Spring 2007, with a decision expected by 2008/09. Construction work is due to start at the reservoir in 2010 and it is expected that it will be fully operational by 2014.

Jim Jenkins, Abberton project manager said: “The Abberton reservoir scheme is necessary to ensure adequate supplies of water are available to meet the long term demand in the Essex area, allowing us to catch and store more of the winter rainfall for use in summer months.

“The scheme is being designed to a high level of environmental sensitivity with regard to both local communities and the wildlife for which the site has international designations. We are currently on target to submit our planning applications in spring this year.”

For further information on the scheme or to raise a query with the Abberton project team log onto Essex & Suffolk Water website www.eswater.co.uk

Ends. For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.