“Infrastructure Matters are helping us address technical issues and ensure we meet national need for water security.”

— DCO Programme Lead

Plans for two new reservoirs; one in Lincolnshire and another in Cambridgeshire, aim to strengthen water security and resilience in the East of England. As nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP), both schemes face complex consenting challenges, requiring a careful balance between flexible policy compliance and growing public and political scrutiny.

Context & Circumstances

The reservoirs are designed to meet the region’s growing demand for water resilience in response to climate change, population growth and environmental pressures. With both schemes subject to the rigorous NSIP process, Infrastructure Matters provides embedded, senior-level strategic direction in addition to leading the consents strategy for the Cambridgeshire reservoir.

Solution

Infrastructure Matters has taken a leading role in shaping the consents strategy for the Cambridgeshire reservoir DCO while providing wider strategic advisory support across both DCO projects & schemes. By embedding good practice, we are aligning the programme to national policy, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and guiding the narrative around public and environmental benefits. Our expertise and deep understanding of the Planning Inspectorate and the work of Examining Inspectors is enabling the projects to avoid common pitfalls and ensure they remains on track for submission in the next few years.

Results
  • Applying practical insights from years of NSIP examination experience, guiding the development of projects designed to secure consent.
  • Grounding both schemes in national infrastructure policy.
  • Leading the strategic consenting process for the DCO, shaping the development and submission of a robust and examinable application documentation.
  • Enhancing internal coordination and external credibility.

Most importantly, we are shaping the consenting approach with precision, helping to ensure a smoother path to consent.