Notice

High Fen Limited: application made to abstract water

Published 5 December 2025

Applies to England

Details of the application

High Fen Limited has applied to the Environment Agency for a licence.

The Environment Agency is giving notice of this application in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006.

The application is to vary licence serial number AN/033/0051/003, which authorises water abstraction from the River Wissey at National Grid Reference (NGR) TL 70131 97916, for the purpose of transferring it without intervening use to an unnamed drain at NGR TL 70168 97911 at High Fen, Methwold.

The proposed variation seeks to add two additional winter syphons, each with specified abstraction quantities, at the following locations:

  • NGR TL 69709 97825
  • NGR TL 69997 96811

The purpose of these additional syphons is to support nature conservation and wet fencing, as authorised under the current licence. Water abstracted from these new points will be transferred to unnamed drains at the following National Grid References:

  • NGR TL 69696 97801 (from TL 69709 97825)
  • NGR TL 70014 96828 (from TL 69997 96811)

The quantities proposed for abstraction at each new point are as follows:

At NGR TL 69709 97825:

  • 619,488 cubic metres per year
  • 4,130 cubic metres per day
  • 173 cubic metres per hour.

At NGR TL 69997 96811:

  • 1,736,640 cubic metres per year
  • 11,578 cubic metres per day
  • 483 cubic metres per hour.

The proposed winter abstraction is intended to take place between 01 November and 31 March, inclusive.

How to view the application

Please contact us via email or use the number below to arrange to see the application documents.

How to comment on the application

Send any representation about this application in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and reference number NPS/WR/045610 to the Environment Agency at the Permitting and Support Centre, Water Resources Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF or by email to PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk

By 02 January 2026.

For advice about how to make a representation call 03708 506 506.