Plans for a new reservoir near the Mendip Hills in Somerset appear to be back on the table, according to recently published plans. Bristol Water first teased plans for a second reservoir in Cheddar back in 2013, claiming that the reservoir would be built to the south of the village’s existing reservoir and could hold up to nine billion litres of water.

The project (dubbed ‘Cheddar Two’) was scrapped in April 2018, with the water company claiming it was no longer needed and would focus on reducing existing leaks in its system instead. Patric Bulmer, head of water resources and environment at Bristol Water, stated at the time: “The information we now have on population growth and climate change has moved on significantly since we proposed the Cheddar Two project.

“That, coupled with our planned reduction in leakage and work to improve water efficiency means we no longer believe the reservoir is needed.” South West Water (which took over the management of Bristol Water in February) has now confirmed it is “resurrecting” the project following the publication of its new business plan, which covers the period from 2025 to 2030.

READ MORE: Tweaks to planned 270-home development on edge of Somerset town

READ MORE: Residential property near Bridgwater pub to become HMO as plans approved

The announcement was first teased in a New Civil Engineer article which summarised £96bn of investment by UK water companies across this allotted period. The article stated: “South West Water will invest £2.8bn to upgrade a third of water treatment works in Devon and Cornwall, reduce leakage to less than 10 per cent, create a water grid to ensure all strategic reservoirs are connected, and invest in large reservoirs – starting with Cheddar Two in Bristol.”

The project’s revival has now been corroborated within South West Water’s business plan – though it will require Ofwat’s approval by June 2024 before it can begin the process of securing planning permission afresh. The plan said: “As part of our continued investment in the UK water sector, customers of Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and those in the Isles of Scilly are set to receive their largest ever investment in their water infrastructure and in resilience, building on the track record for water services we have delivered in Devon and Cornwall, and sharing the learnings from the extended drought.

“It’s also why we’re resurrecting the previously disregarded plans for the Cheddar Two reservoir, that will benefit customers across the Greater South West. Our merger with Bristol Water, driven by synergies and strategic water resources benefits, and our active progression of the need for the new Cheddar Two reservoir, brings benefits to all of the wider South West region, including the Wessex region.”

South West Water said it was not in a position to directly confirm further details of the project – including how much bills may have to rise for fund the construction. A spokesman stated that the company was “currently undertaking preliminary studies” into how it could meet the needs of the region it covers – which may include significant new infrastructure.

The existing Cheddar Reservoir is an important leisure attraction for the village, with locals and visitors using the site for dog-walking, bird-watching and sailing. It also lies on the Strawberry Line active travel route which connects the village with the nearby town of Axbridge and other settlements on the edge of the Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

The company indicated in its business plan that the new reservoir could be “in operational use by 2032/33” if all planning permissions are obtained.