Gareth Davies MP this afternoon met with local farmers and landowners to discuss their views on the Anglian Water Lincolnshire Reservoir proposal and see the proposed area first-hand.
This is the second consultation on Anglian Water's proposed development and residents looking to join Gareth is submitting their views can do so before the deadline this evening via the following link:
https://www.lincsreservoir.co.uk/consultation/have-your-say/feedback-fo…
Photo credit - Anglian Water
Gareth's submission can be read below:
"To whom it may concern,
I am writing in my capacity as Member of Parliament for the constituency of Grantham and Bourne, which you will know now includes the entirety of the site for your proposal. I hope that this submission to your consultation helps as a summary of the feedback and concerns that residents have shared with me.
Whilst I am understanding of the requirement of projects such as this to ensure our local and national future water supply, I have always been clear when dealing with other Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects that I will ensure that local views on these projects are heard by the developers, the Planning Inspectorate, and Ministers.
The most common comments and issues raised with me on the proposal are as follows:
- Flooding risk - there remain concerns about an increase in flood risk. Understandably, many property owners within the area see any increased risk as unacceptable, and I would welcome further engagement and reassurance on this.
- Tourism - there are concerns that there will be a significant impact on local tourism and I understand that residents would welcome Anglian Water’s assurance that any tourism opportunities will be offered to affected local landowners and residents.
- Embankments - many residents worry about the height, scale, and appearance of the landscaping and embankments that are to be constructed around the reservoir, despite current plans to plant vegetation to minimise the impact. I welcome recent additional details on this, such as the artist’s impression of the reservoir, but there is a strong local desire for further information.
- Proximity to residential properties - I understand that trees will be planted to block the visual pollution of the embankments, but the site could still have a significant impact upon local farmers and those that live in the area surrounding the proposed site, including in Scredington, Helpringham, Burton Pedwardine and Swaton in my constituency. They would welcome information about the mitigations that could be put in place and discussions with Anglian Water regarding compensation.
- Disruption during construction - there are significant growing concerns about increased traffic and pollution during any construction period, which I understand could take place over at least a decade. This particularly relates to the use of local roads by HGVs and construction vehicles.
- Comparison to Rutland Water - while comparisons to other nearby reservoirs are understandable, the proposed reservoir is much smaller than Rutland Water and many residents would welcome clarification on the similarities and how this reservoir will provide a similar impact.
I hope this letter has helped to highlight some of the key concerns that exist in my constituency to the proposal.
Yours faithfully,
Gareth Davies MP"
