Lincolnshire Reservoir: What landowners need to know about the Phase Three consultation

Lincolnshire Reservoir: What landowners need to know about the Phase Three consultation

Grace Russell

Grace Russell

Nov, 06 2026

Anglian Water is progressing proposals for a new reservoir in Lincolnshire, a nationally significant infrastructure project intended to secure future water supplies across Lincolnshire and East of England.

The Phase Three consultation is now open and runs from 21st October to 16th December 2026, providing an important opportunity for landowners, farmers and occupiers affected by the scheme share their views on the proposals.

View the plan of the proposed reservoir here.

What is the Lincolnshire Reservoir project?

The project centres on a creating an reservoir, approximately 6km2 in size, south-east of Sleaford and north of the A52, adjacent to the villages of Helpringham, Swaton, and Scredington. However, the overall scheme extends considerably beyond the reservoir site.

The proposal includes infrastructure to transfer water from the River Trent and River Witham to the reservoir, together with new infrastructure to treat the water and distribute it into the public water supply. The project spans a significant area, following the rivers’ courses from north-east of Lincoln heading southeast with water supply infrastructure extending towards Peterborough.

Who is proposing it and why?

The scheme is being promoted by Anglian Water as part of its plans to improve the long-term resilience of water supplies.

The reservoir is intended to help address the combined pressures of population growth, increasing demand for water and the effects of climate change, while also allowing less water to be taken from environmentally sensitive sources. Anglian Water has stated that the proposed reservoir could provide sufficient water for around half a million homes.

What does this mean for landowners?

The scale of the reservoir and associated infrastructure means that landowners beyond the immediate reservoir site may potentially be affected.

Depending on the location of their property, owners and occupiers could be affected by:

  • the reservoir and associated permanent infrastructure;
  • new underground pipelines and service reservoirs;
  • temporary access and land requirements during construction;
  • archaeological, ecological and other investigative surveys;
  • new or altered roads and construction traffic;
  • electricity infrastructure and overhead line diversions;
  • environmental mitigation and habitat creation; and
  • the potential acquisition of land or rights over land.

Why is Phase Three important?

Phase Three, which runs from 21st October to 16th December 2026, provides an important opportunity for affected landowners and occupiers to raise concerns and provide feedback while key elements of the scheme are still being developed.

Anglian Water states that comments received during this consultation will help influence decisions before the project moves forward into more detailed design.

While this is the third phase of the planned consultation programme, it shou

ld not be regarded as the end of engagement with affected landowners. Anglian Water has previously stated that it will continue to engage with homeowners, landowners, communities and others affected as the proposals develop.

Landowners should therefore consider not only whether land may ultimately be required, but also the potential effect of the scheme on access, farming operations, drainage, development potential, property value and the future use of their holding.

Early engagement can help ensure these practical issues are identified and properly represented while the proposals are still developing.

How can Ceres Property help?

Ceres Property can act on behalf of landowners, farmers and occupiers affected by the Lincolnshire Reservoir and its associated infrastructure.

Our team can assist with:

  • reviewing plans and identifying how the proposals may affect your land or property;
  • preparing and submitting consultation responses on your behalf;
  • advising on access, surveys and investigations;
  • negotiating access arrangements and associated terms;
  • advising on the acquisition of land and rights;
  • negotiating compensation where appropriate;
  • considering impacts on agricultural and rural businesses;
  • identifying implications for access, drainage and existing property arrangements; and
  • representing your wider property interests as the project develops.

Taking advice at an early stage provides the opportunity to understand the proposals, identify potential issues and ensure their interests are

represented as the project progresses.

Are you potentially affected?

If you own, farm or occupy land that may be affected by the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir or its associated infrastructure, please contact our

Stamford team to discuss how we can help:

Anna Loweth:

anna.loweth@ceresproperty.co.uk
07599 110034

Grace Russell:
grace.russell@ceresproperty.co.uk
07599 109933

The Phase Three consultation closes on 16 December 2026.

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