Anglian Water is inviting communities across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to have their say on plans for a new strategic 49km pipeline from Cambridge to Rede.

The pipeline, which would run from Lolworth, near Cambridge, to the Rede storage reservoir in Suffolk, forms the next stage of Anglian Water’s strategic pipeline network that will move water more efficiently across the East of England.

Residents, landowners, parish councils and stakeholders along the proposed route are being encouraged to take part in the public consultation, which closes on 12th April, sharing feedback before plans are finalised and a formal planning application is submitted.

The East of England is both the driest and one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. With climate change driving hotter, drier summers and continued population growth increasing demand, new infrastructure is needed to strengthen resilience and reduce reliance on sensitive water sources such as chalk streams.

The Cambridge to Rede pipeline will help transfer water from areas where it is more readily available to places where supplies are under increasing pressure, reducing the number of homes and businesses dependent on a single source of water.

Ian Rule, Director of Water Services at Anglian Water, said:

“The East of England is one of the driest and fastest-growing regions in the country, and climate change is putting increasing pressure on the water resources we all depend on.

“The Cambridge to Rede pipeline is a vital part of our long-term plan to keep taps flowing for future generations, while protecting the environment and reducing reliance on sensitive sources like chalk streams.

“At this early stage, it’s really important that we listen to the communities along the proposed route. This consultation is about sharing information, answering questions and making sure local views help shape the plans before we move forward.”

Environmental and archaeological surveys are already underway, helping to shape the route and design of the pipeline. The project team is working to avoid sensitive habitats, protect wildlife and preserve important archaeological sites, with a commitment to delivering biodiversity net gain wherever possible.

Andy Alder, Managing Director for Major Infrastructure Delivery at Anglian Water, said:

“Delivering infrastructure on this scale has to be done in the right way – with communities, not around them.

“We’ve already carried out extensive environmental and archaeological surveys to help shape the proposed route and avoid sensitive areas wherever possible, and we’ll continue to refine our plans as we gather feedback.

“By using modern construction techniques and careful planning, our aim is to minimise disruption while leaving a positive legacy for the areas we work in.”

The water company is holding a series of consultation events during March, including a virtual event from 7:00pm-8:30pm on Wednesday 11 March.

Click here  for more information and to access the consultation online