Plans for Lowestoft tidal barrier to go on display
The 40m barrier will be the final part of the town's upgraded flood defences
People in Lowestoft will get a closer look at plans for a 40 metre tidal barrier set to be built to protect the town from future storm surges.
Detailed information will go on display at the library and Marina Centre from next week, with construction due to start in the spring.
The barrier will offer protection for 1,500 homes and more than 800 businesses in the town and is part of wider upgrades to flood defences across the town.
It comes after the devastating tidal surge in December 2013 which damaged over 160 homes and businesses across the town.
The project was awarded ÂŁ43m worth of government funding in 2020.
David Ritchie, a Cabinet Member at East Suffolk Council said: “To enable us to build the tidal barrier, the second largest in the UK, we need to apply to Defra for a Transport Works Act Order."
"This allows us to install the barrier in the channel, to access land to build it and to have that access to maintain and repair it in the future.
“Building something of this nature is disruptive, even if it is in the short-term and so it is important that we understand what people’s views and concerns are and that the local community and businesses are clear about what is planned.”
A public consultation on the project will run for next Monday (November 21) until January 12 2023.
Councillor Ritchie said: “Our project team will also be available to chat to at our two drop-in events, taking place at the recently refurbished East Point Pavilion on Wednesday 23 November from 2pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 24 November from 10am to 4pm."
"All are invited to view materials and find out more about the tidal barrier, how it will be constructed, the environmental and navigational impacts, and how the barrier will be operated and maintained.”