Cheddar Reservoir TwoInterim Client & Design Award |
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Project Team
Client: Bristol Water
Designer: Arup
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Project summary
In December 2013, Arup on behalf of Bristol Water Plc (Bristol Water), submitted a planning application to Sedgemoor District Council for permission to develop a 9,400 megalitre additional water storage and supply reservoir located to the west of Cheddar Village and south of the existing Cheddar reservoir.
In June 2014 Sedgemoor District Council Planning Committee voted in favour of the proposed scheme which includes two water pumping stations, along with additional water supply and distribution infrastructure, utility diversions, community and educational facilities, ecological enhancement and nature trail, associated landscaping, car parking and access arrangements, and demolition of two residential properties and associated outbuildings along Hythe Lane and Hellier’s Lane.
Outline permission is given for a visitor centre, play area including dipping ponds, inlet tower, draw-off tower and discharge, replacement footbridge across the River Cheddar Yeo and the pumping stations.
Challenges faced and Achievements
Historic Environment
Heritage issues have been considered at all stages of the design development, with extensive studies and investigations undertaken. A programme of further archaeological investigations will be undertaken. It was identified early in the design process that the proposed development provided an opportunity for the reinstatement of a scheduled Duck Decoy, located to the west of the proposed reservoir.
People and Communities
Consultation and engagement was thorough as the project progressed to planning. Key stakeholders were identified early on, comments were taken on board and passed on to the wider design team for action.
Enhanced amenity value was one of the key drivers of the project, providing a recreational facility for local communities, improving access to water recreation.
Ecology and Biodiversity
As well as reducing any negative impacts, the project will result in the creation of new habitats, in particular the creation of wet woodlands and wetland habitats through the development of a flood compensation area. Bristol Water's objective is to create a new reservoir which becomes even more important for biodiversity than the existing one, and will also become an SSSI. Bristol Water has committed to enhancing the biodiversity management system for the existing SSSI and to determining whether there are any additional measures we can take to enhance the existing site for wildlife.
To what extent did the use of CEEQUAL influence your project?
CEEQUAL ensured that sustainability was an important design consideration from the outset. Sustainability was an important consideration in the selection of the original site, and the overarching project vision and objectives, as set by Bristol Water, have sustainability at their core.
Design decisions took into account sustainability outcomes, and additional sustainability opportunities were sought and considered at key points.
