The Government has backed Thames Water's management plan for the next 50 years, which includes the proposal for a massive new reservoir.

The reservoir, which would be situated south west of Abingdon, would produce up to 270 million litres of water per day, providing additional water supplies to 15 million people. 

It is set to nearly be as big as Gatwick Airport, holding 150 billion litres of water, and has faced repeated local opposition.

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The decision to approve the plan follows extensive public consultation over a two-year period and supports the case for the new reservoir, and a water recycling project in West London.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, approved the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP).  

The plan sets out how Thames Water will meet the needs of an increasing population, protect and improve the environment, and manage the risks from a changing climate which is bringing hotter drier summers and more frequent droughts.  

Chris Weston, CEO of Thames Water, said: “I welcome the Secretary of State’s approval of our plan, which is a vital step as we work to secure future water supply for millions of people across the South East.    

(Image: Thames Water) “In delivering this plan we will invest in new world-class infrastructure projects, continue to drive down leakage and reduce demand for water.

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"In turn this will significantly reduce our reliance on groundwater sources that draw from chalk streams, protecting the local environment.” 

Mr Reed concluded there is a strategic need for the new reservoir, known as the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), and the Teddington Direct River Abstraction project.

The Teddington scheme will provide up to 75 million litres of water per day in drought conditions. 

Thames Water recently completed a 12-week consultation on its design plans for the proposed new reservoir.

(Image: Oxford Mail) More than 1,500 responses were received and more than 1,200 people also attended the water company's programme of community information events.   

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition opposing the reservoir, which was launched by GARD (Group Against Reservoir Development) and countryside charity the CPRE.

Following the government decision, GARD announced it would continue its opposition and reiterated its demand for a public inquiry.

Abingdon Town Council and Vale of White Horse District Council have both objected, as part of the consultation process.

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Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover said: "Many constituents and local campaign groups have written to me about the proposed reservoir.

"They are, rightly, anxious scale of the project and about the impact of the construction work on their day to day lives.

"They have also expressed safety concerns in the case of a dam breach. There has also yet to be an Environmental Impact Assessment on the design. This fully justifies the need for a full and transparent inquiry.

“I have formally requested a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss this matter further and to make the case for an inquiry that will address the concerns of those most affected."

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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.