Somerset residents have until the Easter holidays to provide their initial feedback on the ambitious West Somerset Lagoon project, a £11 billion tidal lagoon proposal set to reshape the coastline between Minehead and Watchet.
The project aims to harness the powerful tidal flows of the Bristol Channel—the second fastest tide globally—to generate clean, reliable energy for up to 120 years. Unlike intermittent wind or solar power, the lagoon’s turbines would produce energy continuously, 24/7, making it a vital addition to the UK’s renewable energy portfolio.
Rachel Gilmour, Tiverton and Minehead MP, has thrown her weight behind the initiative, highlighting its alignment with government clean energy goals. She recently called for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to strengthen support for the project.
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A public consultation on the lagoon’s design and community legacy is underway, inviting locals to share their thoughts before the early-April deadline. Paper consultations are available in Somerset libraries, with online materials also accessible via the project website, www.westsomersetlagoon.com/public-consultation. Public drop-in events will be announced soon.
Gilmour emphasized the lagoon’s environmental and economic benefits, noting it avoids shipping lanes and sensitive fish spawning grounds near Hinkley Point C, mitigating ecological impact. The project’s experienced engineers have also designed the lagoon to significantly reduce silt accumulation in Watchet harbour—a persistent local challenge—by creating a larger water enclosure.
The lagoon promises coastal protection by replacing the natural tide with a flat, calm body of water, potentially halting the erosion that has threatened roads and homes along the shore. With over 80% of the lagoon earmarked for recreational use, plans include a 300-berth marina in Minehead, visitor centres, a watchtower, and a scenic walkway encircling the lagoon, which Gilmour believes will become iconic.
Unlike other major infrastructure undertakings, the lagoon’s funding is expected to come entirely from private investment, ensuring no taxpayer burden. Gilmour continues to lobby for government inclusion of the project in sustainable energy policies to boost investor confidence.
Construction logistics are carefully considered; turbines will be manufactured in South Wales and shipped directly by sea, minimizing impact on local roads. Smaller components might be transported using the West Somerset Railway line, with ongoing discussions between government and Somerset Council about enhancing rail connectivity.
The MP also secured a commitment for £36 million from the project’s private funds to rebuild the vital road between Watchet and Blue Anchor, addressing a long-standing infrastructure gap left unaddressed due to government budget constraints.
Gilmour acknowledges past housing market pressures tied to nearby projects, like Hinkley Point C, but expects the lagoon’s construction workforce will mostly come from the local area. She pledges to collaborate with local authorities and housing associations to increase affordable housing in tandem with the development.
The West Somerset Lagoon project enjoys backing from several key organisations, including the Environment Agency, Somerset Council, Exmoor National Park Authority, and Somerset Wildlife Trust.
Gilmour reflects on the broader social promise: “West Somerset ranks among the most deprived areas in the country. This project will lift up the entire community—through power generation, new jobs, and tourism—and could serve as a model for coastal communities nationwide.”
Residents are encouraged to participate in shaping this transformative initiative before the consultation closes on April 5.