The BMC, along with a coalition of national and local conservation groups, has recently been raising awareness and opposing plans by Severn Trent Water to develop dams in the Upper Derwent Valley. To the relief of many, SWT have now shelved these plans.

After strong opposition from the BMC and others, Severn Trent Water has just announced they are abandoning proposals to create a major new reservoir in the Peak District by flooding the top of the River Derwent. Further proposals to increase the size of the existing reservoirs, Derwent and Howden have also been dropped, though there are indications these might resurface at a later date.

Severn Trent had been due to submit their latest detailed plans for these major developments on 17th July, but have instead issued a Statement of Response indicating the Upper Derwent will no longer be included in their current plans:

“… in response to the objections raised, we will remove the Derwent Valley Reservoir raising scheme from our preferred plan and we will replace it with a combination of leakage [reduction], demand management and accelerated options from later in our preferred plan time horizon.”

This represents a major reprieve for a large area of the Peak District’s wildest, most remote and tranquil landscape, and highlights the powerful voice that can be marshalled in protection of the countryside when like minded groups act together at an early stage to challenge a threat.

Cath Flitcroft, from the BMC’s Access and Conservation team, stated that:

“While we understand the need for water supply, after consulting with partners and other interest groups, we felt that this construction in the heart of one of the most loved areas of countryside in the UK was not the best path. We feel that the BMC is here to give voice to the wilderness and nature that our members value so much and as such we are very happy about STW’s decision.”

However, it seems likely these plans may resurface in the future. Current proposals include a decision to end in 2035 the long-standing transfer of water from the Derwent reservoirs to Yorkshire Water, which Severn Trent has stated may create ‘backfill’ demand from the Upper Derwent. From ongoing correspondence with Severn Trent, we are told they are still ‘investigating options’ to extend the current reservoirs as part of future proposals, if they feel the need becomes apparent. This is something the BMC and coalition partners will continue to watch closely.

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