Pewley Reservoir Gantry Crane

I have been pushing Thames Water for answers about the large and visually obtrusive yellow gantry crane erected at Pewley Reservoir in West Guildford that is understandably causing distress to residents who have rightly demanded answers. 

I have now received a response from Thames Water’s Spokesperson: 

“The overhead crane gantry at Pewley Reservoir is part of a broader project, as we invest more than £90 million to secure Guildford’s water supply for generations to come. 

“East Guildford is supported only by Netley Mill Water Treatment Works, and so we have been building the £46m West to East Transfer Pipeline to connect it to Pewley Reservoir in West Guildford. The 8.3km of new pipe will allow us to move up to the equivalent of almost six Olympic swimming pools each day between areas, providing a more reliable water supply for our customers. 

“The gantry is an essential part of the operations at Pewley, but following local feedback we are reviewing the design to try to reduce its visual impact.”  

As background information, the spokesperson added that the gantry falls under Thames Water’s ‘Permitted Development rights as a statutory water undertaker and hence as part of this project did not require a planning application as it benefits from deemed planning permission.’ 

I appreciate that this response will not be what affected residents want to hear, and it suggests the gantry is likely to remain in place for the medium to long term.  

I share residents’ frustration about the gantry’s visual impact. Since my intervention, Thames Water have taken on board residents' concerns about the visual impact of the gantry and have committed to taking measures to reduce it. 

Please be assured that I am working to ensure this design review is completed without unnecessary delay, and for measures that minimise the visual impact to be implemented as quickly as possible. 

I am also pushing Thames Water on why they did not write to residents to advise of the works which seems inconsistent with their normal practice. They have now accepted this was an oversight on their part. 

I will be continuing to monitor this and remain in touch with Thames Water as this progresses.