Proposed Abingdon Reservoir

Thames Water have resurrected a proposal to construct an above ground reservoir between the villages of Steventon and East Hanney in Oxfordshire.  This is to help manage the increasing demand for water in the South East.  The reservoir would cover an area of 2560 acres with an 8 mile perimeter, and would have connections to and from the River Thames, with other watercourses re-routed and new roads built.

This is one of five options being considered and, if constructed would deliver a range of benefits to local communities. These would include

• A secure supply of water for customers across the south east;
• Appropriate planting and landscaping to encourage greater biodiversity;
• New carbon capturing habitats;
• New accessible leisure and recreational facilities including walking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching and a wide range of water sports;
• Improvements to local infrastructure

Initial surveys are due to be undertaken throughout 2022 with more detailed surveys and ground investigation works in 2023. An informal public consultation stage is likely to be held in 2024.

Additional information is available on the Thames Water website.

If you are affected by this scheme or would like further information, please contact Sarah Payne (sarah.payne@adkin.co.uk)  or Simon Alden (simon.alden@adkin.co.uk)

30 May 2022