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Farmers Demand Action on Red Tape for Water Storage
22 Oct
Summary
- Farmers urge government to cut red tape and boost funding for on-farm reservoirs.
- Just 34 on-farm reservoirs were built in England over the last five years.
- A proposed £15m government scheme is considered insufficient by many farmers.
Farmers across England are calling for significant policy changes and financial support to build reservoirs on their land. They emphasize that increased water storage capacity is crucial for adapting to climate change, helping to manage excess winter rainfall and combat summer droughts, thereby securing food supplies.
In the last five years, only 34 on-farm reservoirs have been constructed in England. While the government has announced a £15 million scheme intended to support approximately 100 farm reservoirs, some farmers view this funding as insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Arable farmers, particularly those growing crops like potatoes and apples, are experiencing significant yield reductions due to prolonged dry periods.
Farmers like Philip Vaux in Somerset have reported exceptionally dry conditions, impacting cereal and potato harvests, and making it difficult to find adequate fodder for livestock. James Pullen in south Somerset highlighted that his farm's two reservoirs, which hold 22 million litres combined, are now empty, underscoring the critical need for more water storage during increasingly hot and dry summers. The cost of constructing reservoirs can be substantial, with payback periods extending to ten years.
Organizations such as the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) advocate for farm reservoirs as a vital adaptation strategy. However, they note that projects often face lengthy approval processes, including planning consent and abstraction licenses. Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has criticized outdated planning rules and inadequate support, advocating for a national program to remove barriers and facilitate reservoir development.
The government has acknowledged the need for expedited processes and announced that the £15 million funding scheme for farm reservoirs will open in Autumn 2026. A Defra spokesperson confirmed this initiative is part of a broader £65 million package to assist farmers facing drought conditions. The government is also reviewing planning rules and licensing procedures to speed up approvals.
