Have a say on the latest plans for a reservoir at Broad Oak

South East Water’s latest vision for a reservoir at Broad Oak near Canterbury goes on display at a series of public exhibitions in Kent on 17 January and 24 January.

Plans for the site, which will be able to store up to five billion litres of water, are included in the company’s latest draft Water Resources Management Plan which is currently open for scrutiny by its customers.

The reservoir is just one of the proposals within the £4.3 billion draft plan which outlines how the water company will provide the extra water needed to serve the south east’s growing population during the next 50 years.

Proposals also include reducing leaks and water use in the home, laying new pipelines to transfer water around the south east, a new desalination plant at Reculver near Herne Bay, alongside additional new schemes to increase available supplies.

The company is proposing that the new reservoir will be operational either by 2033 or 2036 and is keen to hear feedback on the dates, the current outline plans as well as the community’s thoughts on the amenities the site could provide so they can be incorporated into future plans.

The public exhibitions are taking place on:

• 17 January, 13:00 to 19.30
  • Broad Oak Village Hall, Shalloak Road, Broad Oak, Canterbury, CT2 0QH
• 24 January, 13:00 to 18:30
  • Tyler Hill Memorial Hall, Tyler, Hill, Canterbury, CT2 9NJ

Lee Dance, Head of Water Resources at South East Water, said: “As the need to develop a new reservoir grows year-on-year we are keen the community’s wishes and views are incorporated into the proposals as it’ll be as much their reservoir, as ours.

“Attending one of the two drop-in sessions is a key way to do this where people will have the opportunity to speak directly to those behind the plans as well as sign up to be a member of our community panel which will help shape the reservoir proposals further over the coming years.

“Plans for the reservoir are included in our wider draft water resources management plan, and feedback can be given on these too at the exhibitions.

“This is very much long term and takes into account the recent extreme weather we have experienced and the changes to how we use all use water following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is also ambitious and wide-ranging and has been guided by extensive research, detailed data, customer involvement, and engagement with stakeholders and other interested parties.”

The consultation closes on 20 February.

To view the draft plan in full and submit your feedback visit southeastwater.co.uk/futurewater