In late 2023, approximately 2,300 people objected to Thames Water’s original plans, forcing them to change their proposal.
If 1,000s of people register their objection via the consultation, we have a better chance of stopping the Thames Sewage Pump.
How to object
There are different ways for people to register their objections. At SOLAR, we think responding by email or by freepost are best.
By email – direct to IPSOS (who are responsible for gathering evidence)
- Send an email to TDRA@ipsos.com
- Make sure to include a signature, full name, address and postcode
- Write whatever you like but keep it polite to ensure it is counted – we have included a template answer below for supporters to use (See below)
By post – direct to IPSOS (who are responsible for gathering evidence)
- Send a letter to FREEPOST TDRA CONSULTATION
- Make sure to include a signature, full name, address and postcode
- Look out for SOLAR postcards in your local area – add your details and drop into the post-box – no stamp required
By the statutory consultation feedback form – To Thames Water
- This is form is accessible via Thames Water’s marketing content – we do not encourage you to respond this way
- The questions are orientated to get you to approve the scheme by default, choosing option A over option B and not saying you reject the question. You can access Thames Water’s feedback form here
What to write / email to Ipsos
Thames Water must take account of all responses no matter how brief they are. So give your view, short or more detailed, the most important thing is to respond.
A brief response could be:
“Dear Sir/Madam
I wish to object in full to Thames Water’s proposed Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme.
TDRA will cause permanent damage to the local environment and the water quality of the River Thames. There are many better alternative schemes Thames Water has failed to consider properly.
By including my full name, address and postcode, I expect my objection to be formally registered and passed to the Planning Inspectorate.
Yours faithfully
“For a longer response, consider the points below:
Dear Sir/Madam
I wish to object in full to Thames Water’s proposed Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme because
- it will cause permanent damage to the local environment and water quality of the River Thames.
- Thames Water have not provided evidence they will protect the River Thames from bacterial (e.g. E Coli) or chemical contaminants contained in the treated effluent that will be pumped into the river.
- TDRA is a low-quality scheme that will have permanent impacts on the river, the riverside and Thames Water have provided wholly inadequate details of any improvements they will make to the local environment.
- I believe there are better alternatives: e.g., reducing leaks faster to improve supply or constructing the Beckton Reuse scheme which, even though it is more expensive, has more long-term benefits to London.
- Thames Water have not properly engaged with the local community and has not provided information about any real protections to the excessive noise and dust etc from construction of the scheme.
- I believe the new abstraction plant and outfall with associated fencing and in-river defences along with a very large kiosk will make a negative change to the special character of the riverside and river.
By including my full name, address and postcode, I expect my objection to be formally registered and passed to the Planning Inspectorate.
Yours faithfully“
Who is managing this process?
An independent organisation called Ipsos (https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk) is managing public responses on behalf of Thames Water.
Responses by post, email or via the feedback form will be managed appropriately. It is the law in the UK for statutory consultations to be carried out this way, meaning that each route is just as important.
Do I have to share my personal details?
Yes, for a postcard or email to be considered, we must include those details in our responses.
If you have any concerns about sharing your name, address and postcode, remember that Thames Water have all our details anyway.
We’re all customers, paying our bills for water services and proposed schemes like TDRA.
Get informed
We now have the dates for Thames Water’s statutory consultation. Thames Water’s communications suggest you need to register to attend however this is an open consultation that mean anyone can attend without any registration.
We would encourage as many people to attend and give your feedback on the proposals. We want to make sure we protect our River and Lands and #StoptheThamesSewagePump
Thames Water have produced thousands of pages of reports, charts and data and then produced a glossy brochure on top of it all. We are wading through the TW publications, pulling together the key themes and matters of concern to align with questions we have received. Before you attend you can read a summary of our hints and tips here(which we will continue to update)