Somerset residents have until early April to provide their input on the ambitious West Somerset Lagoon project—a proposed tidal lagoon between Minehead and Watchet designed to harness the Bristol Channel’s tidal power for clean energy generation over the next 120 years.
Backing the initiative, Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour emphasizes its alignment with the government’s clean energy goals. She highlights the limitations of wind and solar power and praises tidal energy’s consistency, noting the Bristol Channel boasts the world’s second-fastest tide, offering power production 24/7, year-round.
Mrs. Gilmour underscores several advantages: the lagoon’s location avoids shipping lanes, minimizing environmental disruption, and its design aims to reduce silt build-up in Watchet Harbour, a longstanding issue. Experts confirm the lagoon’s size and engineering would help desilt the area, improving local harbour conditions.
Coastal erosion, a significant challenge for West Somerset, would be addressed by the lagoon, which would protect cliffs by replacing tidal flows with calm lagoon waters. This change promises to preserve critical infrastructure and foster recreational opportunities. Over 80% of the lagoon area is slated for leisure, environmental projects, and features such as a visitor center, watchtower, and a 300-berth marina, enhancing local tourism and investment potential.
Designed by the architect of the London Eye, this £11bn project is unique in that it relies entirely on private investment, unlike other major UK infrastructure works. Mrs. Gilmour continues to lobby for government inclusion of the lagoon in sustainable energy policies to boost investor confidence and accelerate progress.
The turbines are planned to be constructed in South Wales and transported by sea, minimizing traffic on rural roads. Some smaller components may be delivered via the West Somerset Railway, with ongoing discussions about improving rail connections to support logistics.
Importantly, the project includes £36 million in private funding for rebuilding the road between Watchet and Blue Anchor, a critical infrastructure need that local authorities have struggled to finance.
Concerns about rising housing costs due to construction projects like Hinkley Point C are being addressed by proposals to provide social housing for workers locally, ensuring the tidal lagoon’s construction benefits the community without inflating housing pressures.
The lagoon also garners widespread support from the Environment Agency, Somerset Council, Exmoor National Park Authority, and the Somerset Wildlife Trust. Mrs. Gilmour describes opposition to the project as “unconscionable,” stressing its potential to revitalize one of the UK’s most deprived areas by boosting economic growth, recreational amenities, and clean energy production.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the ongoing public consultation at www.westsomersetlagoon.com/public-consultation before Easter Sunday, April 5. Paper copies are available at local libraries, and upcoming public drop-in events will provide opportunities to learn more and share feedback. Outcomes from this consultation will shape future designs and community benefits, ensuring the lagoon meets both environmental and local needs.