Anglian Water has updated plans for a large new reservoir south‑east of Sleaford that its engineers say is necessary to keep taps flowing across one of England’s driest areas. The scheme, which the company describes as a nationally significant project, would hold roughly 50 million cubic litres of water and carry an estimated price tag of £4.2 billion.
Where and when
The proposed reservoir would flood about six square kilometres of land near Scredington, an area that currently contains around 15 homes and businesses. Anglian Water expects the facility would not be available before 2039, with planning documents likely to be submitted to the government by 2029 and a decision following in the subsequent year.
Local benefits and concerns
At a meeting of the Lincolnshire County Council environment committee, councillors discussed both the potential benefits and limits of the project. Supporters say the reservoir is a long‑term investment in resilience, offering storage that could help during dry summers and provide local opportunities during construction.
"This is a generational opportunity to secure the water supply but also deliver environmental and social prosperity," said Matt Pluke, a technical solutions manager at Anglian Water.
Councillors pointed to the county’s mixed experience of weather — flood events in recent winters followed by very dry summers — as evidence of the need for improved water infrastructure. Councillor Ian Carrington told the committee that national provision for water and power infrastructure has lagged and that additional storage is required.
What would change on the ground
The scheme would require permanent changes to land use and the loss of homes and businesses within the inundation zone. Anglian Water has highlighted jobs and skills benefits during the construction phase that it says could remain in the county afterwards. The company also noted recreational possibilities when the reservoir is full, such as water sports.
- Area to be flooded: c. 6 sq km
- Water capacity: c. 50 million cubic litres
- Estimated cost: £4.2bn
- Planning submission: likely by 2029
- Earliest operation: 2039
| Stage | Timing (Anglian Water estimate) |
|---|---|
| Planning submission | By 2029 |
| Government decision | Following submission (likely within a year) |
| Operational | 2039 at the earliest |
Limits and debate
Project leads stressed that a reservoir is not a cure‑all for flooding. An environmental assessment lead involved in the work warned the scheme "definitely won’t be [a] magic bullet" for local flood issues, underlining that the reservoir’s primary purpose is water supply rather than flood mitigation.
There is also an element of local contention: the designation as a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) means final approval will rest with central government rather than entirely with local authorities, and some councillors expressed reservations about proceeding without full assurance on environmental and community impacts.
The proposal will now advance through further technical work, environmental assessments and consultation ahead of a likely NSIP planning application. Residents and businesses in the Sleaford and Scredington area will be watching closely as more detailed plans and assessments are published in the coming years.
