A village meeting with Anglian Water for an update on the reservoir was held Wednesday 28th May 2025 in The Hut. A presentation was given, then questions were answered by the panel...
Anglian Water's panel comprised of a number personell including Civil Engineers, Surveyors, Water and Envionmental specialists.
The meeting was chaired by Cllr Charles Campion. Charles is chair of The CLG (the Community Liaison Group of which Cllr Elaine Penketh is also a member as are Parish Counillors from other nearby villages, landowners & other concerned parties).
To start the meeting off, Anglian Water presented an update with a visual presentation and answered some questions around their presentation (https://swaton.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/170/anglian-water-community-update-meeting-28th-may-2025)
The panel were then asked a range of questions that had previously been emailed to Elaine after which the floor was opened to all in attendance for a Q & A session allowing anyone to ask a question not already covered. In general it was said to be still too early for many things to be confirmed or specified by Anglain Water.
There are currently (and for the next 2 years) investigative surveys happening between Mareham Land and Scredington where AW have set up a base (https://www.lincsreservoir.co.uk/assets/images/downloads/Lincs-survey-works-comms-fact-sheet.pdf).
The pre-sent questions were:
1) What has changed since the last consultation of Friday 19th July 2024. How has the design matured? Can we see details?
2) Asset ownership. Who is responsible for the project proposal / design up to granting of planning permission? Will full disclosure be provided on proposed planning conditions prior to submission i.e. future intended commercial uses of the completed site, aside from the storage and treatment of water.
3)Project drivers. Will written assurances be provided that that this project is not in any way driven by any current or proposed commercial arrangements Anglian Water has with other Water Authorities or Commercial Water users outside of domestic requirements.
4)Will full visibility be provided on Ecological considerations.
5)What Heritage considerations have been provided for.
6)Proximity of wetlands to village. Will the project consider the public health of the residents for the immediate, and future. Any wetlands proposed should not increase the current mosquito population nor prevent a future risk to health.
7)Flood risk. Can Anglian provide written assurances that the project will not increase any flooding risks.
8)HV cables / Pylons - please provide visibility on diversion routes being considered.
9)Highways. Please provide visibility on public and maintenance permanent way access to the reservoir.
10)Water treatment plant. Please provide update on location and rationale for closer proximity to village from original proposal.
11)Financial impact on residents – house prices during construction. What compensation will be provided for those unable to sell or suffering from reduced sale price as a direct ramification of this project. The current scheme is totally unacceptable.
12)Financial - Nuisance compensation during construction
13)Financial – escalation in householder Insurance premiums
14)Provide clarification on intended use of the Reservoir Facility - want clarification that the reservoir won’t be extended to commercial enterprises on site over and above the visitor centre, swimming and boating activities
15. What Light pollution will there be during and after the build.