Portsmouth Water submits Havant Thicket planning applications

Portsmouth Water has submitted planning applications for its Havant Thicket reservoir.

Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council will consider two applications together: one for the reservoir itself and another for the pipeline needed to fill it and supply customers.

As well as supplying water to customers in the South East, the reservoir will help protect chalk streams the River Test and the River Itchen, offer habitats for wildlife and provide leisure and amenity to local people.

The applications reflect feedback from consultation this summer, including reducing the loss of ancient woodland and creating two rather than one access road to minimise traffic.

• Southern Water has confirmed it has stopped preparations for a drought permit on the River Test, following significant rainfall over recent weeks.