Campaigners opposed to a new reservoir near Abingdon renewed their calls for a public inquiry after Thames Water released fresh images of the proposed structure.

Last month an embankment trial, which will help to inform Thames Water’s plans for the new facility, received planning permission from Vale of White Horse District Council.

The backing from the council’s planning committee means Thames Water can develop its understanding of the ground conditions at the site, south west of Abingdon, where it proposes to build a new 150 billion litre reservoir. 

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The utility company said this was a major step in developing the design proposals for the reservoir, now known as SESRO (South East Strategic Reservoir Option). 

Now Thames Water has released new artist's impressions showing what the reservoir is expected to look like, and has announced dates for consultation meetings with residents.

The utility company said a significant amount of design and development work has taken place since the autumn 2023 proposals were shared with local communities.

As a result, it is unveiling "a new interim masterplan and design concepts".

Together, according to Thames Water, they show how the reservoir could look, how it might be built, and how it may benefit visitors, with vast blue and green spaces for leisure and recreation.  

Proposals for the reservoir, known as SESRO (South East Strategic Reservoir Option), have been developed in conjunction with Southern Water and Affinity Water, as the reservoir is designed to secure future water supplies for all three company’s customers, a projected 15 million people - including customers in Oxfordshire.  

Leonie Dubois, Thames Water’s Head of Engagement, Land and Consents, said: “Our water resources are under threat, and the consequences of not investing in a new reservoir could be to the detriment of millions of people, the environment, and the economy, so it’s vital we take action. Investing in SESRO would provide a drought insurance policy for households and businesses right across the South East. 

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“We have a unique opportunity ahead of us to address the water shortage risk, whilst seizing the chance to create a new, much-loved community resource with leisure, employment and recreational benefits for those that live nearby."  

Residents living near the reservoir site have vigorously opposed the plans.

Derek Stork, spokesman for GARD (Group Against Reservoir Development), said: "Since this is not a new design - merely a new set of artist's impressions - and Thames Water have neither dealt with local concerns or sought to justify a size increase of 50% over the project on which they consulted, we remain totally opposed.

"We called for a Public Inquiry in December 2023, and that call remains on the table, without a decision from the government.

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"Thames Water are trying to hype a return to the largest possible version of the Abingdon Reservoir as a 'new design'. It is nothing of the sort, merely a set of misleading artists' impressions."

Community events will be held in Oxfordshire on the following dates, and those interested in attending are encouraged to register their attendance in advance:  

·Thursday, June 27, 2pm to 8pm, Sutton Courtenay Village Hall, Sutton Courtenay 

·Saturday, June 29: 10am to 4pm, Royal British Legion, East Hanney 

·Monday, July 1: 11am to 5pm, Abingdon Guildhall, Abingdon 

·Friday, July 5: 11am to 5pm, Loyd Lindsay Rooms, Wantage 

Tuesday, July 9: 2pm to 8pm, Didcot Civic Hall, Didcot 

·Monday, July 15, 2pm to 8pm, Milton Hill House, Steventon 

·Thursday, July 18, 2pm to 8pm, Marcham Centre, Marcham 

The 12-week public consultation opened on June 5 and those wishing to respond are invited to submit their feedback by Wednesday, August 28.

Local communities and stakeholders will be invited to have their say on the revised proposals at a second public consultation in 2025.   

The strategic case for the reservoir is outlined in Thames Water’s revised draft Water Resources Management Plan, which is currently with the government for consideration.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.