The Lincolnshire Joint Local Access Forum was scheduled to discuss a significant update on the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir project by Anglian Water, alongside an update on the Stallingborough Interchange and the ongoing Countryside For All initiative. The forum was also set to review its work programme and consider the minutes from its previous meeting.

Lincolnshire Reservoir: Anglian Water Update

A key item on the agenda was an update from Anglian Water regarding the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir. The report pack included a presentation outlining the project's vision, which aims to bring environmental and social prosperity to the region by securing water supply, enabling growth, and creating spaces for people, nature, and water. The presentation detailed the challenges facing water supplies in the East of England, including water stress and the impact of a changing climate, and explained why reservoirs are considered a sustainable solution.

The report highlighted that the Lincolnshire Reservoir, identified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), is part of Anglian Water's wider plan to invest over £11 billion. The reservoir, proposed to be located southeast of Sleaford, is intended to supply up to 169 million litres of water daily. The presentation also touched upon the Development Consent Order process for NSIPs, the project's indicative programme, and the infrastructure required, including water sources, supply systems, and the main reservoir itself.

Specific attention was given to the impact on Public Rights of Way (PRoW). The report indicated that four PRoWs would be permanently affected by the reservoir construction and would be realigned or re-provided, integrating with new recreational paths. Additionally, twelve PRoWs were expected to be temporarily affected during the construction of the treated water pipeline, with diversions planned where possible to maintain connectivity. Anglian Water stated they are assessing the environment carefully and developing strategies to protect and enhance it, with ongoing dialogue planned through technical working groups and formal public consultations.

Stallingborough Interchange

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on the Stallingborough Interchange and Stallingborough Public Footpath 21. The report provided details on a section of Public Footpath 21 that crosses the A180/A1173 Interchange. Visuals were included to illustrate the route of the footpath and its relationship with the interchange. The report outlined proposals for the extinguishment and creation of public rights of way in the area, as well as routes subject to diversion.

Countryside For All

An update was provided on the Countryside For All initiative, led by John Law. The report highlighted progress in printing and distributing leaflets for accessible countryside sites, including new locations like Cleethorpes Country Park. The initiative is seeking assistance from forum members to engage with community libraries to promote these leaflets and the ordering process. Discussions with the CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England), now the Rutland and Lincolnshire CPRE, were noted as positive, with plans for the CPRE to include information and links related to Countryside For All on their revamped website.

The report also discussed the hosting of Countryside For All route PDFs, with ongoing discussions with the Disabled Ramblers chairman regarding the use of SharePoint linked to Google My Maps. Plans were also in place to extend the project to other areas, with a route survey planned for Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire, inviting other CPRE branches and Local Access Forums to participate. The initiative is also seeking volunteers.

Work Programme

The forum was invited to review its current work programme and suggest items for future meetings. The programme included scheduled discussions on the Lincolnshire Reservoir, the Stallingborough Interchange, and Countryside For All for the current meeting. Future items to be programmed included Quiet Lanes, a Great Grid Update, and a presentation on the Value of Public Rights of Way. The report also listed the dates for future scheduled meetings up to May 2027.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting and Action List

The forum was scheduled to consider the minutes of its previous meeting held on 2 September 2025. Additionally, an action list was presented for review, detailing the progress of actions from previous meetings. This included actions related to engaging with the Environment Agency, amending terms of reference, and the invitation to the Anglian Water representatives. The action tracker indicated that several actions had been completed, including the production of a guidance note and slide deck for LALC Clerks and a letter to the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE.