Pre-release materials 2026: South Lincs Reservoir Different Perspectives (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Note
Exam code: 8035
Different perspectives on the South Lincs reservoir project
There are several different stakeholder views on the proposed development of a reservoir in South Lincs, including:
Anglian Water
Farmers
Local residents in Helpringham and Scredington
Local businesses
Local MP
NFU
Each of these groups is either for or against the development
Anglian Water
Anglian Water supports the development, as they were the organisation to propose it
They argue that the development will:
Play a critical role in future water provision
Ensure the area's resilience during future droughts
Reduce the amount of water taken from chalk streams and groundwater aquifers
Provide wider opportunities
"Together with its associated water infrastructure, the reservoir will create a much-needed new water resource."
"The reservoir also presents significant social, economic and environmental opportunities. We’re planning to include features that local communities would value and use."
"If we do not put this investment in, in the way that we did with Grafham and Rutland in the 1960s and 70s, many people will simply not have the water in future decades to farm and to use in homes. "
Head of Supply and Demand Strategy, Anglian Water
Local farmers
Farmers have expressed concerns over the:
Loss of working farms
Loss of productive farmland
Risk of flooding in the area
Mental health and well-being of the people affected
"Your whole world just falls to pieces. We have hardly slept. To lose your homes and your farm... it's all your hopes and dreams.
"We are setting up a life for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It's all about leaving a legacy.
"We are talking about 4,500 acres of prime growing land. There are 58 homes affected."
“There is so much more to this than meets the eye, and the massive construction and land-moving effort will give it a huge carbon footprint. Among other things, the uncertainty this has delivered is already affecting people’s mental health.”
Local farmers
Other local residents
Over 2000 residents have signed a petition against the reservoir development
They are concerned about the:
Loss of over 50 homes
Negative impacts on businesses and employment
Road closures and increased traffic
“Our house is on the market, but all of the fear-mongering around the reservoir means it might never sell, and we could be stuck here.
“I know of one lady who hasn’t had any viewings since the reservoir was announced."
“We moved into the village two years ago and have spent a lot of money doing our house up – will that value be wiped off?"
“Of course it could bring muck and noise, but in the long run it could also be a big asset to the area. It’s hard to be sure at this point."
“Many more livelihoods will be destroyed or severely inconvenienced by the associated infrastructure and disruption during construction."
Views of local residents
Riding school
Local businesses are concerned about the impact of construction
“This is my dream I’ve poured my heart and soul into – to say I’m devastated doesn’t even scratch the surface,” the mum-of-four said. “I was hoping to invest in my business next year, but all that will be on hold for four years.”
Riding school owner
Local MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham
“Many of my constituents living within the Scredington, Helpringham, Burton, Spanby and Swaton communities will be incredibly concerned. People are understandably distressed about what these proposals, should they go ahead, mean for their homes and livelihoods, with this area being home to many local farmers in particular.”
Local Member of Parliament
National Farmers' Union (NFU)
The NFU (opens in a new tab)supports the expansion of water infrastructure to address climate change and population increase
However, they highlight that large-scale reservoirs can harm local communities and farms
“Such major schemes can have significant adverse impacts on farm businesses and the people involved. It’s vital that the design and implementation during construction be carried out in a way that minimises the impact on land ownership and farming operations.
“We will be working to support any members affected by these schemes and to ensure that agricultural water needs are recognised as an explicit part of future resource use plans.”
Deputy President of the National Farmers' Union
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important that when you are examining an issue, you consider a range of different viewpoints from stakeholders. Ensure that you have knowledge and understanding of some of the key stakeholders in the South Lincs reservoir development.
Arguments for and against the South Lincs reservoir
Background
Water consumption in the UK is high, averaging 140 litres per person per day
The East of England has low precipitation levels (around 600mm annually) and an increasing population
Climate change means that precipitation levels may fall and become more unpredictable
Arguments for the South Lincs reservoir
Water security
With decreasing rainfall and increasing population, the reservoir would help to improve water security in the area
It would reduce the level of water stress in the region
The project has been designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means it is regarded as crucial to the water supply in the area
Environmental benefits
The new reservoir would reduce the amount of water which Anglian Water takes (abstraction) from rivers and aquifers
The site will provide new wetland and woodland habitats
Improved public transport and paths to reduce car use
Inclusion of renewable energy sources
Social benefits
The site features a range of leisure facilities and activities, which will be beneficial for the health and well-being of the local community
Economic benefits
The site will attract tourists, which will boost the local economy and benefit local businesses
Existing reservoirs such as Rutland Water and Grafham Water attract a total of two million people each year
The new reservoir will create jobs
The building of the reservoir will allow more housing to be built
Additional housing construction is currently blocked due to concerns about the water supply
Guaranteed water supply for agriculture
Arguments against the South Lincs reservoir
Environmental
There will be a landscape and visual impact
The embankments, which are planned to be over 20m high, will stand out in the flat surrounding landscape
Destruction of habitats and ecosystems when areas are flooded
Social
Over 50 homes will be lost
Compulsory purchase of homes means people will have to leave an area where their family may have lived for generations
Impact on people's mental health caused by uncertainty about whether the project will go ahead
Disruption caused during construction
Additional traffic will lead to congestion and increased travel times for local people
Economic
Loss of working farms and productive farmland (over 4500 acres)
Impact on businesses that may have to close, such as the riding stables
Decrease in property values
Water sustainability could be increased more cheaply by:
Fixing leaks – Anglian Water lost around 182 million litres a day (Source: Anglian Water) this is more than the new reservoir will provide each day
Reducing waste
Small-scale projects
Increase in water bills to help fund the project
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important that when you are examining an issue, you consider a range of different viewpoints from stakeholders. Ensure that you have knowledge and understanding of some of the key stakeholders in the reservoir development.
Summary
The UK faces increasing water security issues
The demand for water is predicted to rise over the coming years, particularly in the south and east, where the supply of water is lowest
The government is committed to reducing average annual water consumption and improving water quality
Although water recycling and prevention of leaks will play a significant role in achieving water sustainability, large water transfer and reservoir projects will be needed to meet the future demand
The future
Two phases of consultation are now complete
Future consultations are planned for 2026 and 2027
In May 2025, the government designated the South Lincs reservoir as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP)
This means that the planning process is now with the Secretary of State rather than the local authority
This aims to ensure that the process happens more quickly
Construction is expected to start in 2031
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You will be asked to decide on the issue in the last question. This issue could centre around several possible points, such as:
Whether the possible harm to a region is justified because of the UK's water supply issue
Is the reservoir sustainable? Sustainability in the economy, society, and environment must all be taken into account
Whether the reservoir development should go ahead or not
Which information from the resource booklet would support the decision not to go ahead? and why? Which stakeholders would agree with this decision?
These will be mostly social and environmental factors
Stakeholders such as the farmers and
What are the environmental, economic and social benefits that mean the development should go ahead? And why?
Stakeholders with this view may be local people wanting improved facilities, water companies, and
Make sure that you reach a conclusion that summarises your main points and reinforces your decision.
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