Southampton Link Main: Otterbourne to Testwood

We’re building new pipelines and pumping stations to be able to share water between Otterbourne supply works to Testwood supply works to protect water supplies and the environment in a drought.

Latest Update

Update Spring/Summer 2024

During 2023 we’ve undertaken desk based and walkover surveys and investigations of the potential pipeline route.

We’ve conducted exploratory excavations at various locations along the proposed pipeline route. Some of these excavations are to explore the potential for buried archaeological remains and to then record and preserve those uncovered.

Others are to enable us to confirm ground conditions and groundwater levels that will affect how we finalise the design and construction of the proposed pipeline. As part of this work, you may still see small teams of people excavating in these areas. The land will be reinstated when the excavations are completed.

Here are some FAQ's which are often asked regarding this pipeline work.

Previous updates

October 2023

Since summer 2022, we have undertaken desk based and walk over surveys and investigations of potential pipeline routes.

In summer 2023, we have conducted several excavations at different locations along the two proposed pipeline routes. Some of these excavations are to explore the potential for buried archaeological remains.

Others are to enable us to investigate ground conditions and groundwater levels that will affect how we design and construct the proposed pipeline. As part of this work, you may see small teams of people excavating in these areas. The land will be reinstated when the excavations are completed.

The information we gain from this work will help us to refine the proposed pipeline route, and our construction techniques. It will also enable us to assess the potential environmental effects associated with the construction and operation of the pipelines. This information was used as part of a formal submission we will made to Winchester City Council and Test Valley Borough Council in Autumn 2023 to determine whether we need to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment of our proposals.

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The timeline

Here's a timeline of what we've done so far and how we plan to complete the project.

Autumn/winter 2022-23

We completed environmental, ecology and archaeological surveys.

Spring/summer 2023

We undertook site investigation works to check the ground conditions, and further environmental and archaeological surveys.

Autumn 2023

We looked at all the data from the surveys to decide which is the best route for the new pipeline. We engaged with the relevant planning authorities and stakeholders to understand which consents we need.

Spring 2024

We submitted our request for an EIA Screening Opinion to the Local Planning Authorities Winchester City Council and Test Valley Borough Council to confirm requirements for planning consent.

The outcome of the request was that the pipeline is confirmed as Permitted Development.

Spring - Autumn 2024

We engaged with residents directly affected by the pipeline in Otterbourne in March 2024, and heard their feedback. We’re going to hold a general customer event for all residents later this year.

Winter 2024

We’ll be completing the final design for the pipeline and associated structures or facilities needed to make it work. We’ll submit any planning applications where they are needed.

We will look to start some early on-site mobilisation activities subject to all necessary consents.

Spring 2025

This is the current expected timeframe for when we’ll start on site. We currently expect the overall construction programme to take about 2-2.5 years to complete.