Fenland District Council has officially supported plans to build a new reservoir in the Fens, but wants to see key issues addressed to ensure it benefits the whole community.
The council has submitted its response to Anglian Water and Cambridge Water’s latest consultation on the proposed Fens Reservoir planned for a site near Chatteris.
Councillors believe the project could bring major benefits to local people and the wider region — but only if key issues are properly addressed.
The council has supported the idea of a new reservoir in principle, recognising the need for a reliable long-term water supply.
However, it says more work is needed to ensure the project delivers for our communities, protects the environment, boosts the local economy and fits well within the Fenland landscape.
Cllr Chris Boden, council leader, said: “This project could be a once-in-a-generation chance to create something really special for Fenland — improving nature, health and wellbeing, and giving people a fantastic place to visit. But it has to be done right, and that’s what our response focuses on.
“We want this to be something that local people can be proud of. Our job is to speak up to ensure the final plans genuinely work for Fenland’s communities, landscape and future.”
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Key points raised by the council include:
· Making the reservoir a place people want to visit year-round
The council is calling for a clear plan to ensure the site offers more than just water storage — such as play spaces, cultural activities, walking and cycling routes, art, and places to relax.
· Better walking, cycling and horse-riding routes
The council says people must be able to reach the reservoir safely without relying on cars. This means proper crossings on the A141 and A142, as well as clear links from March, Chatteris, Manea, Doddington and Wimblington.
· Protecting and improving nature
The council supports new wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, but wants a better mix of habitats and the early delivery of wildlife areas before the reservoir's construction causes disruption.
· Managing construction impacts
The project could bring up to 2,000 workers to the area at peak times. The council warns this could put pressure on local housing, roads, services and air quality unless properly planned.
The council wants Anglian Water to look seriously at greener options — such as moving materials by train and, where possible, by water — to reduce the number of HGVs on local roads.
The council praised Anglian Water for holding a good number of consultation events and for using models and interactive maps that helped bring the plans to life.
However, many residents said they still struggled to picture what the reservoir embankments would look like when standing next to them, because most images only show the site from further afield or decades after completion.
The council recognises the impact of the plan on residents and businesses on and close to the proposed site and calls for them to be well supported and compensated. It specifically encourages the applicants to work closely with Chatteris Airfield and the RSPCA Animal Welfare Centre at Block Fen.
Fenland District Council will continue to work closely with Anglian Water, Cambridge Water and other partners as plans for the reservoir progress towards the formal planning process.
The Fens Reservoir has been classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning the decision on whether it can progress will be made by the Government. Fenland District Council is a statutory consultee.
The application is currently in the ‘pre-application’ stage, and an application is expected to be submitted in February 2027, the Planning Inspectorate website states.
· The Council’s full response can be viewed at: Fenland District Council decision notice (Fens Reservoir)
· For further information on the proposal, see: Planning Inspectorate website Fens Reservoir
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