The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has accepted an application from Southern Water Services Limited for the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008. The application, submitted on 28 May 2026 and accepted for examination on 25 June 2026, seeks approval for the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure aimed at enhancing water recycling and transfer capabilities in Hampshire.
While the project does not meet the criteria to be classified as a nationally significant infrastructure project under the Act, it has been designated as requiring a development consent order following directions issued by the Secretary of State in May 2022 and amended in November 2024. The project involves the establishment of a Water Recycling Plant (WRP) with associated pumping stations, as well as pipelines connecting Budds Farm Wastewater Treatment Works to the new WRP site, the WRP site to Bedhampton Springs, and onward to Otterbourne Water Supply Works. Additional elements include intermediate pumping stations and break pressure tanks along the pipeline routes.
The project will also incorporate existing infrastructure such as Havant Thicket Reservoir—currently under construction by Portsmouth Water—which will be used for storing recycled water. Furthermore, it plans to utilise the Eastney Long Sea Outfall, Eastney Pumping Station, and the related Eastney Transfer Tunnel for discharging reject water from the WRP. Infrastructure developed separately by Portsmouth Water to facilitate water transfer between Bedhampton Springs and Havant Thicket Reservoir will also be integrated into the scheme.
Located across multiple administrative jurisdictions, including East Hampshire District, Eastleigh Borough, Fareham Borough, Hampshire County, Havant Borough, Portsmouth City, and Winchester City councils, the project will require various permanent and temporary works. These include the demolition, disassembly, or relocation of certain small structures. The DCO application outlines provisions for compulsory acquisition of land, creation of new rights over land, and restrictions necessary to construct and manage the project. It also authorises temporary possession of land, alterations to street layouts, new access constructions, temporary closures of public rights of way, and removal of hedgerows where required.
Classified as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development under the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, the application is supported by an Environmental Statement detailing the expected significant environmental effects of the project.
Stakeholders and members of the public can access the application documents online via the Planning Inspectorate and Southern Water’s websites until at least 24 August 2026. Paper copies are also available for review at designated local libraries. Interested parties may submit representations to the Planning Inspectorate by the same date. Contact details and additional information have been provided as part of the consultation process.