The Proposed Thames Reservoir
Thames Water have evaluated water needs in the Upper Thames area and concluded that a new large reservoir, near Abingdon, is needed. The case for the proposed reservoir will be re-examined in a new Water Resources Management Plan and will be the subject of a public consultation, in Spring 2008.
If this supports the conclusion that the reservoir is required, then Thames Water would then need to apply for consent to build it. The proposed site, close to Steventon, could be as large as 10 sq km
(3.9 sq miles) and cost an estimated £900m. People living around
Steventon are concerned about the impact of such a massive building
project.
Steven says: "The need case for the additional infrastructure is compelling, but there must be further discussion about the precise location and in particular the environmental impacts of the development. Given the scale of the development any application for planning permission should be called in by the Secretary of State and made the subject of a public inquiry, where all the issues can be properly examined and debated in public."