Defra takes over planning for two major reservoir projects in England
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, has taken over the planning process to build two major reservoirs in East Anglia and Lincolnshire. These projects have been designated as 'nationally significant' projects, shifting planning oversight from local to ministerial level. The Lincolnshire Reservoir is expected to provide up to 166 million litres of water daily to 500,000 homes by 2040, while the Fens Reservoir will supply 87 million litres daily to 250,000 homes by 2036. Both projects will now proceed to the consultation phase, during which developers will seek feedback from communities and stakeholders.