Members of the Vale of White Horse District Council have unanimously called for a public inquiry to thoroughly investigate Thames Water's case for a reservoir. The demand was made as part of the Vale's response to Thames Water's draft Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), which identifies how the company will secure water supply for the 25 years between 2010 and 2035.

A major component of the WRMP is Thames Water's proposal to build one of the largest reservoirs in the country in the heart of the Vale. If approved, the 25 metre high bunded reservoir will be built on land between Steventon, East Hanney and Drayton.

The Council has until the 27 August to respond to Thames's draft WRMP, which will be submitted to the Secretary of State. If the WRMP is approved, with the reservoir included, it will signify an approval to the principle of the reservoir. Thames Water will put in a planning application in Spring 2010. This would most likely be determined by the Secretary of State and the Vale would not be the determining planning authority, but would be a statutory consultee and would be able to give evidence if a public inquiry is held.

On Wednesday evening, at a special meeting of the Full Council to debate the Vale's response to the draft WRMP consultation, Members heard submissions from Brigadier Nick Thompson of the Group Against the Reservoir Development (GARD) and Sue Rees, from Steventon Parish Council. The Council also received written submissions from Grove Parish Council, Steventon residents, the Environment Agency and Thames Water. All submissions from local groups urged the Vale to continue its thorough scrutiny of Thames Water's proposals.

The report considered by Members, written by the Council's Development Control Manager Mike Gilbert, acknowledged the importance of securing a safe and clean supply of water but raised concerns about some of Thames Water’s forecasts and assumptions.

In particular, the Vale is concerned about the company's predictions of how much water individuals would use, which Thames Water says will be 35 litres per day more than Government targets by 2030. This difference in volume equates to the reservoir that Thames Water wants. The two other main concerns are that areas of new and continuing research, which could alter the case for the reservoir, should be completed before a decision is made, and other supply options have not be given due consideration.

Leader of the Council Cllr Tony de Vere, who also chairs the Vale's Reservoir Advisory Group (RAG) , said:

"The case for a reservoir needs to be supported by robust analysis and the case needs to be compelling. Our officers have found the case wanting. This Council will remain robust in its scrutiny of whatever Thames Water intends to throw at us.

"We must make sure our MPs are aware of our recommendations and that we seek their support in ensuring when and if an inquiry is held and that both the inquiry and this Council are given adequate resources to mount a robust challenge."

Cllr Terry Cox, who is Vice Chairman of RAG, recalled when a reservoir was first proposed in 1990 and said the predictions of water demand Thames Water made at that time were much higher than current predicitons.

He said: "Here we are requiring a lot less water than was predicted in 1990 and what’s the solution? A reservoir in this location the same as in 1990. It is absolutely essential that this matter is dealt with through a public inquiry process. It is wrong if the Government feels it can go ahead and deal with this purely on the decision of the Secretary of State without a proper representation of the concerns of the Council and the public."

The report will now be submitted to Thames Water and to the Rt Hon Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for DEFRA. He will be urged to hold a public inquiry to alllow a full and proper assessment of the need for the proposed reservoir.Thames Water has said it will be reviewing all submissions prior to sending the WRMP to the Secretary of State.