Hampshire water scheme receives nationally significant designation

Environment secretary, George Eustice, has formally agreed to a request from Southern Water to exercise his power under the amended Planning Act 2008 to direct that the proposed Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project be treated as development of national significance for which development consent is required.

The secretary of state has directed the project is treated as such, having been satisfied the development is nationally significant on grounds including that it will:

• provide a substantial number of people across Hampshire with a resilient water supply during drought conditions and would be a key piece of strategic regional infrastructure in meeting the modelled supply deficit for Southern Water's water supply zone;

• make a significant contribution (about 47%) to resolving the overall supply demand deficit in Southern Water’s Western Area of supply;

• support the delivery of up to 87,000 new homes by 2045;

• have the capacity to be upgraded to support further increases in population growth, housing supply and / or further water resource pressures;

• mitigate against the social and economic risks of debilitating water restrictions for both businesses and households when the weather is dry; and

• make a significant contribution to the UK Government's environmental objectives and policy priorities.

The decision noted the project was complex and substantial, and would “benefit from an application being determined in a timely and consistent manner by way of the Development Consent regime, and by removing the need to apply, and the uncertainty of applying, for a large number of separate powers and consents”. The principle development involves:

• underground water transfer pipeline from Havant Thicket Reservoir to Otterbourne Water Supply Works (WSW) to transfer approximately 90Ml/d during peak operation such as under severe drought conditions;

• water Recycling Plant (WRP) in vicinity of Budds Farm Wastewater Treatment Works with an output of at least 15Ml/d;

• underground pipeline to transfer at peak operation at least 15Ml/d of recycled water from the WRP to Havant Thicket Reservoir.

• underground pipelines between Budds Farm WTW and the WRP to accommodate minimum 19Ml/d peak transfer volumes in each direction;

• high-lift pumping station, either located at the site of the WRP or located along the underground water transfer pipeline between Havant Thicket Reservoir and Otterbourne WSW; and

• second stage pumping station and break pressure tank located along the underground water transfer pipeline between Havant Thicket Reservoir and Otterbourne WSW.

The associated development (such as temporary works to support construction, and works to support operation and maintenance), together with ancillary matters, were also covered by the direction.