The debate over Thames Water’s planned reservoir near Abingdon has split the local community right down the middle. While some residents see it as a necessary step for future water security, others worry about the scale and location of such a massive project. But here's where it gets controversial: could this development be both essential and disruptive at the same time?
Recently, locals from the Didcot area had their first chance to engage directly with Thames Water, as part of an ongoing public consultation concerning the proposed South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO), situated in Oxfordshire. The event took place at Didcot Civic Hall, where attendees explored plans through models, visual simulations, and detailed information about the project.
The SESRO, designed to supply water to around 15 million people—including customers of Southern Water—has become a focal point of debate. The entire consultation process will run for eleven weeks, wrapping up on January 13, and aims to gather community feedback before Thames Water applies for government planning approval, expected in autumn 2026. The project’s estimated cost ranges from £5.5 billion to £7.5 billion—an enormous investment that has sparked both interest and skepticism.
For residents, the project offers an opportunity to better understand the scope and implications. If approved, construction could potentially begin as early as 2029, making it a future fixture in regional planning. However, concerns about the project's vast scale—comparable in size to Gatwick Airport—are raising eyebrows.
John Aldridge from Didcot voiced worries about the impact on local communities: “If it goes ahead, it’s going to affect villages and towns around here. There will be significant disruption during the construction period.” Similarly, Liz Morris from Chilton questioned the project's location, expressing doubts about whether this site was the right choice and highlighting fears of upheaval.
Yet, not everyone is opposed. Some see the reservoir as a vital solution to growing water demands. Phillip-Johnson from Didcot highlighted the increasing rate of new housing developments: “We’re building more homes, and we need additional water resources to support that growth.” For him, the benefits outweigh the inconveniences.
Amidst the mixed reactions, frustration also emerged. Alison Jessup, also from Didcot, emphasized how many people dislike change, especially when projects drag on for years. “It’s been a long journey, and people just want to see some progress so they can benefit from the improvements,” she said.
Thames Water has planned seven in-person events across Abingdon, Wantage, and Didcot, along with two online webinars, to facilitate open dialogue. Their team has reassured participants that every comment will be considered carefully, influencing the final planning application. Leonie Dubois from Thames Water emphasized, “We’ve listened to previous feedback, which led to adjustments such as including a channel for the Wilts & Berks Canal.”
Amidst the discussion of large infrastructure, financial concerns are also surfacing. Recent headlines have highlighted Thames Water’s financial challenges, prompting questions about whether the company can afford such an ambitious project. A spokesperson reassured the public: “We understand concerns about our finances. But investing in the future remains a core part of our plans—business as usual, so to speak.”
Reflecting on the broader implications, one attendee, Mike Collet, emphasized the importance of accepting such projects, despite the pain involved. “Large infrastructural developments are necessary,” he explained. “I might not see the project finished, given my age, but I worry about what this means for our children and grandchildren—and the type of world they’ll grow up in.”
So, as the debate continues, the key question remains: should we prioritize immediate concerns or invest in long-term solutions that may reshape our landscapes forever? How do you see this balance? Are these projects an essential upgrade or disruptive overreach? Share your opinions in the comments below.
