Work to build a huge new reservoir which will provide water to the Burnham-On-Sea area could begin in 2016.
Located in the Hythe Lane area of Cheddar, the spot was chosen after Bristol Water ruled out the other potential locations in Wookey, Clutton, Axbridge and Banwell.
The proposed new development will occupy hundreds of acres of pasture land besides Wedmore Road and will be sited next to the existing reservoir, doubling Bristol Water’s site.
The water giant says it will consult closely with residents, land owners and the parish council over the next three years before work starts.
The company said in a statement this week: “The Cheddar site has emerged as the firm favourite on economic, environmental and geological grounds.”
Jeremy Williams of Bristol Water added that the company will engage in full consultations with the community and said one of the reservoirs would be given over to recreation while the other will be more the preserve of wildlife.
The area most likely to be affected is the land farmed by Roy and David Parsons who raise beef cattle and sheep off Hythe Lane. Based on Bristol Water’s indicative image only two or three homes would be lost.
Burnham’s MP, Tessa Munt, said: “I am pleased that a decision has been made so that local people know where they stand. I have been contacted by many constituents about Bristol Water’s different proposals over the last few months, and their views have been passed on.”
“I am concerned that Bristol Water takes every possible step to save and conserve our water before any new reservoir building takes place – ensuring its pipes are not leaking, that the silt in our existing reservoir is minimised, and that water meters are installed as widely as possible.”
“I would invite anyone with concerns to contact me in writing, by telephone or at one of my many local surgeries and advice centres in the area.”
