Thames Water launches Statutory Consultation into SESRO
31st October 2025 / / Comments Off on Thames Water launches Statutory Consultation into SESRO
31st October 2025
On October 25th, Thames Water launched the Statutory Consultation on the SESRO project, which includes the controversial reservoir near Abingdon. We are currently working through the consultation papers but our initial observations are:
- The proposed area of land is vast – approximately 17 km west to east (from the railway west of the A417 at the former Challow Station to the Thames south of Abingdon) and 8.6 km north to south (from near Shippon on the A34 to the A417 by Ardington). This totals around 38 sq km, roughly six times larger than the proposed reservoir area. This scale has significant implications for the loss of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land.
- Existing solar farms will be affected – the panels would be destroyed by the reservoir construction and relocated to Garford. Their map shows a considerable area (c. 400 acres) identified for “reprovisioned” solar panels.
- Impacts on public rights of way will need careful consideration.
- Alignment with local and joint plans – we should assess how the proposal sits with existing policies within these frameworks.
As part of the consultation they are running several community information events, both in person and online.
Monday 10 November 2025, 2pm – 8pm
- Didcot Civic Hall, Civic Hall, Britwell Road, Didcot, OX11 7HN
Wednesday 12 November 2025, 2pm – 8pm
- Abingdon Guildhall, Guildhall, Abbey Close, Abingdon, OX14 3JD
Saturday 15 November 2025, 10am – 4pm
- Sutton Courtenay Village Hall, Hobbyhorse Lane, OX14 4BB
Thursday 20 November 2025, 2pm – 8pm
- Marcham Centre, Barrow Close, Marcham, OX13 6TY
Friday 21 November 2025, 2pm – 8pm
- Hanney War Memorial Hall, Brookside, East Hanney, OX12 0JL
Wednesday 26 November 2025, 2pm – 8pm
- The Beacon, Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX
Thursday 27 November 2025, 2pm – 8pm
- Milton Hill House Hotel, near Steventon, OX13 6AF
Online events:
Tuesday 18 November 2025, 1pm – 2pm
Monday 24 November 2025, 7pm – 8pm
The consultation will run for 11 weeks. and all feedback must be received by 11.59pm on 13 January 2026.