A PUBLIC consultation has gone live for the West Somerset Lagoon (WSL) project team to understand the thoughts of local people and businesses.

The online consultation will run until Easter, and a number of drop-in events are being planned on dates still to be announced.

The project team will then review all feedback and publish it in a summary report and use it to inform design, environmental measures, and community benefits, and further consultation will follow on detailed designs.

WSL chief executive Aidan Clegg said: “We are very keen that the West Somerset Lagoon brings significant benefits to the local community.

“While we have a long way to go before construction can start, we are keen to hear from local residents and businesses early in the process.

An observation tower would give views over a marina and other infrastructure proposed as part of a West Somerset Tidal Lagoon.
An observation tower would give views over a marina and other infrastructure proposed as part of a West Somerset Lagoon. (WSL)

“This is an important opportunity to work together to create lasting benefits for our community.

“Your views matter, and the team wants to hear from you.

“This project will help protect our coastline and create new spaces for everybody to enjoy, supporting both environmental sustainability and local economic growth.”

Mr Clegg and project architect Julia Barfield met West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour to discuss the suggested benefits for the local community and for the country.

Mrs Gilmour said: “I believe the West Somerset Lagoon project would be transformative for our region and country.

“The benefits the project would bring are huge for our constituency, thousands of new, well‑paid jobs, clean, reliable energy for 120 years, and vital community infrastructure levy and Section 106 funding for local priorities, such as the redevelopment of the B3191.

“If you live in our region, particularly in West Somerset, please read the information available and let the West Somerset Lagoon team know what you think of their plans.”

A lagoon masterplan shows 125 turbines harnessing the power of the tides to generate clean, reliable, cost-effective renewable energy to power about two million homes for 120 years.

About 8,000 jobs would be created during a five-year build programme and 300 well-paid, high-skilled jobs for local people year-round when the lagoon is complete.

Public realm and cultural offerings feature heavily in the West Somerset Tidal Lagoon plans.
Public realm and cultural offerings feature heavily in the West Somerset Lagoon plans. (WSL)

Other benefits were said to include reduced coastal erosion and improved resilience to storms and sea level rise, enhanced leisure and cultural facilities in Minehead and along the coast, a potential ferry terminal to South Wales, and improved walking and cycling routes.

The project team said opportunities would be actively explored to upgrade local roads, with particular attention given to Minehead’s Quay Street, the A39, and the B3191 between Watchet and Blue Anchor.

The lagoon enclosure would comprise large concrete units constructed in ports along the Severn Estuary and floated to the site, similar to the use of ‘Mulberry’ harbour units in World War Two, and sunk in position.

The turbines and all large equipment would also be delivered by sea direct to the lagoon site, with only small components being delivered by land, and possibly by rail.

The team said the location stretching from Minehead to Watchet had been carefully chosen to be outside designated conservation areas and any marine protected areas.