Approval of Planning Application for Dual Pipeline is Good News for Bedhampton and Leigh Park

Havant Liberal Democrats welcome the approval by Havant Borough Council of the application to build a dual pipeline from Bedhampton Springs to Havant Thicket Reservoir from Portsmouth water.

Although we strongly oppose Southern Water’s plans to recycle sewage into drinking water and store it in the new reservoir, we support building the reservoir itself together with a dual pipeline to transport water to and from it. Should Southern Water be given approval for sewage treatment the dual pipeline will be needed. Installing a single pipeline as originally planned and then putting a second one alongside it would mean twice the disruption to our neighbourhood. This would be unfair to residents and should be avoided at all costs.

Councillor Philippa Gray, Bedhampton Ward, says: “Tempting as it is to campaign against all aspects of sewage recycling, we must consider our residents and ensure that the work to install the pipeline is done as quickly and considerately as possible.”

For further information about Southern Water's plans, please see the Havant Matters article on the topic.

Notes to Editor: The application referred to is APP/24/00405 - Pipeline from the reservoir to the north of Middle Park Way to Bedhampton Pumping Station, Meyrick Road, Havant.

There is already planning permission for a single pipeline through Bedhampton, which was originally regarded as sufficient for Havant Thicket Reservoir to be used to store water from Bedhampton Springs. Now that Southern Water wish to recycle sewage in a new plant (planning application not yet submitted) in Bedhampton, a dual pipeline is required.

Cllr Philippa Gray has campaigned alongside Havant-based groups to stop Southern Water‘s plans for Havant. Like the majority of residents Cllr Gray supports development of the reservoir as a much needed resource in times of drought.