Portsmouth Water has received permission from local authorities in Hampshire, UK to continue with plans for the Havant Thicket Reservoir PPP. A detailed planning application for the reservoir, along with a separate one for the pipeline that will be used to fill and remove water for supply to customers, was reviewed and granted permission following debate by councillors at Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council. 

The project includes the development of an 8.7 billion litre storage reservoir spanning 160 hectares between Leigh Park, Havant and Rowlands Castle in East Hampshire, together along with a visitor and education centre, recreational areas and parking for up to 200 vehicles. Upon completion, the reservoir will create a permanent wetland with bird watching facilities.

Final legal commitments for the project will be agreed with both authorities, and full permission could be granted by summer, leading to environmental work to support wildlife mitigation. Havant Thicket Reservoir is expected to be fully opened to the public in 2029. In addition, Havant Borough Council also granted outline permission for further earthworks and built infrastructure around the reservoir, and for a pipeline to fill it with surplus water from the Bedhampton Springs in winter.