Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme announces phase two public consultation events across Luton and Bedfordshire
The Grand Union Canal Transfer (GUCT) scheme, which is a joint project between Affinity Water, Severn Trent and the Canal & River Trust, is to host public consultation events in Dunstable, Eaton Bray, Caddington and Tilsworth.
ExCo
The scheme will transfer highly treated recycled water from the Midlands to the Southeast to ensure future drinking water supplies for the region, and to strengthen the UK’s water infrastructure. It will recycle readily available treated wastewater, transfer it via the canal, treat it, and supply it to customers’ taps where it’s needed.
The Grand Union Canal Transfer consultation will run for seven weeks, from the 11th of February to the 2nd of April. During this time, there will be 15 community events, where members of the GUCT team will be on hand to answer questions and give local communities the opportunity to share their views.
The public consultation process is a vital step in the scheme’s development as it progresses towards securing a Development Consent Order, an important type of planning permission granted by the government for major, nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Details of the consultation events in Luton and Bedfordshire are:
| Dates | Location | Timings | ||
| Thursday 5 March | DunstableDowns | Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate National Trust Car Park, Dunstable Road, LU6 2GY | Along the walking path south of the main car park | 10:30am – 1:30pm |
| Tuesday 10 March | Chaul End/ Caddington | Lyons Community Centre, Chaul End, 33a Mallard Crescent, Caddington, Luton, LU1 4FG | 6pm - 9pm | |
| Wednesday 11 March | Stanbridge / Tilsworth | Stanbridge and Tilsworth Community Hall, Stanbridge Road, Tilsworth, LU7 9PN | 4pm – 8pm | |
| Friday 20 March | Eaton Bray | Eaton Bray Village Hall, Church Lane, Eaton Bray, Dunstable, LU6 2DJ | 4pm – 8pm |
Natasha Coackley, Head of Strategic Resource Options for Affinity Water, said: “We’re excited to announce our upcoming Phase Two Public Consultation for the GUCT, a truly innovative and vital water transfer scheme that will provide crucial water resilience for Affinity Water customers, as well as benefits for those living and working along the scheme’s proposed route.
“Engaging with the communities, residents and businesses that will be impacted by the scheme enables us to build a scheme that works for everyone. From identifying opportunities to embed social value in locations along the route, to partnering with local businesses, there are an abundance of opportunities for us to work collaboratively. Our consultation events provide a wonderful platform to explore these ideas and feedback further.”
For more information about the scheme and a full list of the consultation events, please visit: https://guctransfer.co.uk/consultation/