A NEW proposal for a £11 billion West Somerset tidal lagoon stretching from Minehead to Watchet which could power two million homes and drastically transform the coastline, has sparked a fierce local controversy.

A consortium which includes London Eye architect Julia Barfield, wants to build a 14-mile tidal barrier with 125 underwater turbines driven by the Bristol Channel tidal range.

There would also be a 300-berth water sports marina.

The plans were welcomed by local MP Rachel Gilmour, who said the ‘exciting project’ would be ‘an absolute game changer, growing the economy and creating many jobs in the area’.

Somerset Cllr Mike Rigby said: “We really need to make the most of the immense tidal range.

“A project of this type is formally supported by Somerset Council.”

But, there was wide disagreement on social media about whether such a scheme should go ahead.

Hillary Waddington posted: “A horrifying idea. It would completely decimate wildlife, landscape and views.

“It would just destroy this ancient area.”

Mark Ward said: “Another pie-in-the sky mega infrastructure project.

“It could massively alter the biodiversity of the inter-tidal and sub-tidal ecosystems which Hinkley C’s development has already highlighted.”

Nigel Armitage said: “Not that old chestnut again.

“Next, they will propose a ferry service using hovercraft from Minehead to Cardiff Bay.”

A post from ‘Local Trades, West Somerset’ claimed the scheme would destroy towns and villages and the area and would become ‘another Southampton/Portsmouth. Portishead would be better suited’.

Judi Hall slammed the scheme as ‘a ridiculous and unnecessary idea and an eyesore’, while Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor, writing in a private capacity, said: “It is not April 1, is it?”

Antony Mulcahy believed a lagoon would ‘fill with mud like Watchet Marina’, and Andrew Brookes said ‘this is one way to drive tourism away’.

However, the consortium’s chief executive Adrian Clegg said the plans ‘were not hypothetical’ and that investors were ready to move forward once official support was secured.

Welcoming the project in principal so long as Minehead and Watchet harbours were not adversely affected, a Watchet Boat Owners’ Association spokesperson said it was essential to make sure the structure did not trap sediment and so make the existing mud problems even worse.

Jim Butterworth said tidal water power was a clean and consistent energy source which would bring considerable benefits to West Somerset.

Mr Butterworth said: “It needs planning for now, not tomorrow.”

Victoria Ferguson said: “Looks like an amazing idea and so good for the area.”

Local businessman Alan Hunt said: “Similar schemes have been running successfully in other countries, particularly France, for years.

“This is not untried technology.

“Why not give it a go – perhaps, initially in a small trial.”

Mandi Wooldridge said: “This would be a lot better than covering the fields with solar panels, so long as they leave Minehead and Watchet harbours open.”

Asked about the project, a spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security said the Government was ‘open to considering well-developed proposals’.