This is an extensive site comprising a number of components of a water treatment works, including reservoirs, pumping station and a housing estate. It was developed by the then South Essex Waterworks Co. in the late 1930s. They had gained powers to abstract water from the River Stour near Stratford St. Mary in Suffolk from where it was pumped to the treatment works before being stored at the Abberton impounding reservoir (SMR No. 15590). The principal structure on the site is the boiler house and pumping hall (1), a white concrete building with medium sized metal windows, wooden doors and a flat roof, characteristic of the International Modern Movement architectural style. During the war the pumping station was painted in order to camouflage it, as the site had been identified as an enemy target. Originally there was a tall chimney rising from this building. The rest of the site consists of filter beds, covered service reservoirs and other more recent buildings. On the south perimeter of the site is what the map describes as 'Essex Water Company Estate' a road called Waterworks Close consisting of three detached and six pairs of semi-detached houses. <1>

ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL:
Lacking modern additions/alterations the site remains in its original condition and much of the internal spatial/technological configuration is likely to survive; the filter beds and reservoirs may also retain important information on waterworks technology. <1>

Site Signifigance:
An important example of a 1930s waterworks built in the International Modern Movement architectural style. Of considerable group value in terms of both the immediate site and those built in the house style which includes Tiptree (SMR No. 15587), Langham (SMR No. 15588), Abberton (SMR No. 15590) and others within Suffolk. <1>

RECOMMENDED ACTION:
List Grade II; if the reservoir and filter beds are original to the site, they may warrant Scheduling. <1>

Site Management:
Currently in use by the Water Company the site is well maintained and an internal inspection should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity. An ‘impact assessment’ may be needed prior to any future reuse in order to assess which elements of the original fabric warrant retention and detailed recording needs to form an integral element of any re-development proposal. <1>