Thames Water has unveiled modifications to its proposed White Horse reservoir scheme in Oxfordshire as the company seeks regulatory approval to proceed despite significant community resistance. The facility is designed to store 150 billion litres of water across a surface area comparable in size to Gatwick Airport, serving approximately 15 million residents in the south-east region.
The project’s scope and expenses have expanded substantially following a comprehensive review conducted last year. Initial cost projections of £2.2bn have risen to a range of £5.5bn to £7.5bn, while the development footprint nearly tripled to 38 square kilometers. These increases stem from requirements for additional construction access points, relocation of nearby solar farms, and rerouting of local waterways alongside environmental restoration initiatives. Thames Water initiated a fresh consultation process last week targeting affected landowners, with the engagement period expected to conclude next month. The company intends to lodge a formal planning application by the end of the year, with major construction slated to commence in 2032 and water delivery targeted for 2040.
The utility company contends that the reservoir addresses mounting pressures on regional water supplies driven by population growth and climate-related challenges affecting resource availability. Regulatory bodies overseeing infrastructure development have projected a water deficit exceeding 2 billion litres daily by 2055 across the south-east. The White Horse location represents one of limited suitable sites in southern England, though the shallow clay substrate necessitates construction of the UK’s first fully walled reservoir, featuring walls reaching 25 metres in height.
Local opposition remains substantial, with district and county councils rejecting the plans based on flood risk concerns related to required stream diversions in flood-prone areas. Campaign groups have questioned cost estimates, projecting expenses could reach £7.5bn to £10bn when accounting for construction industry inflation since 2023. Community representatives have also cited inadequate consultation and demanded comprehensive flood risk analysis before approval. Thames Water will fund the project through customer bills over a century-long repayment period.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI