AMP6 was heralded as a period where maintenance and asset improvement would be the order of the day rather than the larger capital programmes seen during the previous AMP periods. 

At this early stage with the transition between AMP 5 and AMP6 continuing and contractors progressing preparatory work before seeking advice on land based issues it is difficult to assess, however it does appear that the work Bruton Knowles are dealing with is in line with this prediction. 

Instructions to date seem to be smaller scale maintenance, upgrades and renewals of existing assets rather than the new pipeline infrastructure that has been seen in previous years.  It will be interesting to see how this develops over the remainder of the AMP period.

Another promising sign, seen so far in AMP6 is that land matters are being brought in at a much earlier stage of the discussions, this is vital, especially when there are requirements for the project that fall outside of the Water Industry Act access rights such as purchasing land.

Instructed land agents have little option in these situations but to negotiate with the landowner and this can take several months before a land transfer has been negotiated, agreed and completed. It is always worth remembering that in these situations the more time available the better the deal that can be achieved.

Looking forward over the next five years it seems that the buzz word is going to be ‘Resilience’.

Whilst the Government’s new Policy Paper on long term resilience is reviewed and companies plan how a new resilient regulatory system, promoting new markets, long-term planning and investment is to be implemented should we be wondering whether AMP6 is merely the calm before the storm....and let’s hope that there is enough resilience in the sewer network to deal with it.

For help and advice contact Steven Drennan on 01483 238380 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.