Why leave local government after 22 years? Lewis on reservoirs, and the project that changed his mind.

Lewis is an Associate Town Planner at AtkinsRéalis, based in Southampton and part of the London team. He spent 22 years in local government across a range of planning authorities in Hampshire and the South Downs National Park before joining the business four and a half years ago. He now acts as planning lead on major water infrastructure, currently the Fens Reservoir for Anglian Water, alongside work in highways and energy.

You spent 22 years in local government. What made you leave?

“My experience in the water sector has been quite life-changing. Before I joined AtkinsRéalis I worked in local government for a long time and did the normal major developments- mixed use and housing. But when I got the opportunity to work on the reservoir as the planning officer at Havant Borough Council, that whetted my appetite, and I decided to join AtkinsRéalis because I could see the opportunities they had in this ever-growing market.”

What are you working on now?

“Day to day my work includes working with clients, drawing together planning strategies, engaging with stakeholders and delivering project management plans. As a town planner you’ll submit a number of DCO applications as well as Town and Country Planning Act applications, so you get a wide variety- you’re dealing with both the local level and nationally significant infrastructure.

At the moment I’m working on the Fens Reservoir on behalf of Anglian Water, leading on stakeholder engagement. That means drawing our technical teams together to liaise with statutory consultees in the right forums, listening to their feedback and amending the scheme to take their suggestions into account. Outside water I’ve also worked on major highway projects supporting local planning authorities - the M5 Junction 10 over in Gloucestershire - and supported Buckinghamshire Council on a solar Development Consent Order.”

Why is water such a busy market right now?

“Havant Thicket is now being built, and we’ve also got Broad Oak going through the pipeline as we speak, so there’ll be a planning application in the next few years. Then there are the other reservoirs coming on stream- we’re supporting Anglian Water on both the Fens and the Lincolnshire reservoir.

It’s a very interesting time in the water sector, particularly given the challenging drought we’ve had this year, which has really brought the need for water supply out into the wider public consciousness.”

“The drought has brought the need for water supply out into the wider public consciousness.”

What does a reservoir actually give the community around it?

“You can just see these reservoirs- not only do they store water, they’re also really good leisure destinations. Obviously that has to be balanced against ecology and improving the environment. Havant Thicket is going to result in significant biodiversity net gain in terms of the wetland, but it’s also integrated with providing opportunities for local people, including school children who were working on the project. They named some of the tunnelling machines for the pipe that takes the water up to and back into the supply.”

What would you say to someone thinking about joining?

“We have a truly collaborative and very friendly culture. People work well together, there’s a willingness to help each other, and I’m always learning from my colleagues. It’s also somewhere you can take control of your own destiny- there are plenty of opportunities if you want a change or a new challenge. You don’t need anyone’s permission to contribute ideas, make suggestions, manage your workload or network. Put your hand up, and the support is there if you ask for it.

You also get real opportunities to build relationships, and consultancy is a people business. Your technical skills will get you in the door, but your relationships will keep you here and help you grow. Invest in networking with the colleagues and clients we have. Remember names, follow up, volunteer for tasks, make yourself memorable.”

“Your technical skills will get you in the door, but your relationships will keep you here.”

If that sounds like the kind of work you want, we’re recruiting town planners across our water and infrastructure consenting teams. Explore our open roles.