FAQs

We’ve been undertaking environmental surveys at the site since early 2024 and working closely with the Environment Agency, Natural England, Historic England and Kent Wildlife Trust. This work will inform an ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’, which we’ll submit along with our planning application.

We’re committed to having a positive impact on the environment and wildlife overall. As part of our design, we’re proposing:

• Creating a bypass channel and fish pass by realigning the Sarre Penn, so wildlife can continue to move freely and safely around the reservoir 
• New wetland areas, which provide the perfect home for a diverse range of wildlife and help to clean water and manage flooding, in a natural way
• Improvements beyond the reservoir site, which could include: 
  • Improving existing structures in the watercourse that might create obstacles for fish
  • Restoration of watercourse and wet floodplain habitats
  • Creation of woodland, grassland and hedgerow habitats.

By reducing the amount of water taken from sensitive sources like rare chalk streams, constructing the reservoir will also help to protect these unique ecosystems.

The project focuses on protecting and improving the environment. Landscaping will strengthen hedgerows, restore old field patterns, reconnect wildlife corridors, create new habitats, and link woodlands to boost biodiversity. 

The smaller embankments and a wetland area will protect ancient woodland and the SSSI from flooding. Erosion controls will prevent damage from reservoir discharge, and pipeline routes are planned to avoid sensitive ecological areas.

The project will be designed to ensure that it does not increase flood risk from rainfall in the surrounding areas.

Valencia Landfill Site (Shelford) is an authorised activity comprising an engineered (lined) landfill, constructed in accordance with the Landfill Directive (2001). Emissions from the landfill to air, ground or water are regulated at the boundary of the landfill under the conditions of an Environmental Permit, regulated by the Environment Agency.

Based on information provided by the Environment Agency on the operation of the landfill, our design team understands groundwater flow is predominantly in a south-easterly direction, away from the proposed reservoir towards the landfill.

As part of our design phase, we're commissioning additional studies, including ground investigation, to confirm this groundwater flow direction. We'll also be checking for any potential risks to the operation and management of the reservoir from a range of potentially contaminative activities from historical and contemporary sources (including but not limited to the landfill).