Anglian Water submit plans for 40 mile pipeline between Essex and Suffolk
It's to help tackle issues with water supply across the region
Last updated 23rd Dec 2022
Anglian Water has submitted major new plans for a 40 mile pipeline connecting Suffolk and Essex.
The new pipework will run between Bury St Edmunds and Colchester and will help tackle issues with water supply across the region after the driest summer since the 1950s.
John Neil, who leads the team delivering the Bury St Edmunds to Colchester section, said: “The new pipelines will allow water to be moved to areas where it is needed most, while also strengthening local resilience by reducing the number of homes and businesses which rely on a single water source.
“They are vital in addressing the predicted ‘jaws of death’ moment for water availability in the East of England – the point at which demand for water greatly outstrips the available supply.
“With 175,000 new homes to be built in the next few years, it is vital we ensure we have resilient infrastructure in place to support local authorities in delivering their Local Plans, and residents who live in the area.
“We look forward to working with all of the local councils as they review our application.”
Anglian Wate say the Bury St Edmunds to Colchester section has been specifically designed to avoid sensitive ecological sites and areas where environmental surveys have found protected species like badgers, water voles, bats and Great Crested Newts.
Subject to planning consent, the water company expects pipelaying work to begin in 2023.