Landowner journey

We're building a network of hundreds of kilometres of new, interconnected water pipelines to help us move water more freely around our region.

It is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK, stretching from Lincolnshire to Essex.

We want to effectively engage and work with landowners along our planned routes, before and during construction.

For that reason, we've developed a three-phase approach - detailed in the drop-down boxes below. Alternatively, click here to read our Landowner Journey newsletter.

The phases are driven by simple commitments: to communicate clearly, reduce the number of times we ask for information, make sure landowners have the contact details of one of our representatives and to give as much notice as we can of our work.

Phase 1 – Route planning

What does phase 1 mean?

We do not yet have a preferred route. We have completed some desk top work and taken account of some environmental, archaeological, and historic features.

What is the purpose of phase 1?

To confirm the presence of any sensitive habitats or buildings by visiting the site and completing walk over surveys across a very wide corridor

Step 1

We will write to you about our plans and ask for some information such as contact details, land ownership, confirmation of boundaries and agreeing access. We will ask you to complete an LEQ (Land Entry Questionnaire).

Step 2

We will contact you – via your chosen means – to arrange or confirm survey arrangements. The buffer zones used include a wide margin to account for animal movement. The information collected will be used to refine the route and start to design a preferred route.

Phase 2 – Route refining

What does phase 2 mean?

We will have identified a preferred route with a red line boundary, or 'working corridor'. We need to carry out intrusive surveys to decide where, within the boundary, the pipeline can be constructed.

What is the purpose of phase 2?

To understand what is happening under the surface.

Step 1

We will only contact if you are on the preferred route alignment and provide you with an indicative plan of where the pipeline affects your land, a plan for any of intrusive work and contact details for Agricultural Liaison Officer and / or retained Land Agent.

We will also provide you with:

• Ground investigation information pack and landowner survey

• Land drainage questionnaire

• Code of pipe laying

Step 2

Arrange a pre-ground investigation commencement meeting to agree and confirm contact arrangements and our use of statutory powers• Inform you of the nature of the intrusive surveys - what will happen and what they will look like

Step 3

Issue a statutory notice to confirm access requirements and arrangements.

Step 4

Complete work and move off site. Some monitoring equipment may be left in-situ for a set period of time. This will be collected later.

Phase 3 - Confirmed route and construction

What does phase 3 mean?

We will have designed a preferred route and worked with planning authorities to agree how the pipeline will be constructed. We will have identified compound locations.

What is the purpose of phase 2?

To finalise plans for construction including any on-site adaptations (such as access tracks and moving local services, water for troughs etc).

Step 1

We will contact you to arrange a meeting to confirm the route and agree compounds and land drainage requirements, etc, and to discuss hedge removal, chamber locations, on-site accommodations works (including access crossings, service re-routes, etc). We will involve landowner land agents to ensure appropriate compensation is calculated.

We will want your feedback on how you think SPA are working with you.

Step 2

We will issue a 3-month construction notice (s159) and record the condition of the site.

Step 3

We will maintain a dialogue with you and/or your agent while we construct the pipeline following the controls published in the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).

Step 4

Reinstate the land as agreed.We will want your feedback on how you think SPA are working with you. Submit claim for losses or general disturbance.Settle fair and reasonable claims.

Relevant documents are listed at the bottom of this page.

Landowner documents