RAPID agrees to schedule changes for Anglian strategic water resource schemes

RAPID, the Regulators' Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development, has approved requests from Anglian Water for a new schedule for the strategic water resource projects it is progressing.

RAPID has agreed that the gate three submission for Anglian’s two reservoir projects can be altered from 30 September 2024 to 31 March 2025 for the Fens Reservoir, and 30 September 2025 for the Lincolnshire Reservoir. It noted the additional time would allow for helpful developments such as Direct Procurement for Customers submissions to be considered by Ofwat ahead of gate three, and for better sequencing of Environmental Impact Assessments.

Additionally, RAPID approved the move of the gate three submission for the Peterborough to Grafham (P2G) water transfer from 30 September 2024 to 31 March 2030. It said this would allow:

• Decoupling of P2G from the Lincolnshire Reservoir Development Consent Order process, reducing the risk profile of the Lincolnshire Reservoir.

• Alignment of P2G delivery dates with water availability and need.

• Appropriate timing of environmental assessment, landowner engagement and ongoing design activity.