Anglian Water wants to build a 3.8km water main in the Haddenham area, documents submitted to planners reveal.  

The water company says the section would be located between Pools Road, Wilburton, and the water tower off Wilburton Road, near Haddenham.  

A letter from Anglian Water with the application bundle explains one of its key priorities “is to increase the resilience and reliability” of the existing sewer network.  

The company also needs to ensure it can “accommodate new growth” in the area.  

Daniel Ansell, a Town and Country Planner representing Anglian Water, writes: “One section of water main between Ely Water Booster and Haddenham Water Tower is structurally failing which has the potential to lead to widespread low pressure or interruptions to supply for up to 5,310 properties.  

“There is potential for this to occur during peak demand times during the summer. 

“Furthermore, Anglian Water’s network does not currently have sufficient capacity to accommodate new growth in the area without it adversely impacting upon supply to existing customers.  

“In order to ensure that this demand can be met, Anglian Water is proposing to install a new section of water main some 3.8 km in length.” 

The application has been submitted to East Cambridgeshire planners as a ‘screening opinion request’. 

This is where developers formally ask if a planning application and environmental assessment are required for the works.  

Mr Ansell explains he feels neither is required for this particular project. 

His letter also provides an overview of the works and outlines potential impact it may have on the surrounding area.  

It warns potential road closures may be required at Wilburton Road, Streatham Road and Station Road while the works take place. 

East Cambridgeshire planners validated the screening opinion request on June 13, 2024. 

Their decision was “pending consideration” when this article was first published.