The Environment Agency (EA) needs more planning permissions to advance downstream defence elements in Pawlett and Combwich to accompany the new Bridgwater Tidal Barrier.  

Additional full planning permission is needed for “Element B” of the works, as it falls outside of the site boundary or limits of deviation of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Order 2022. It follows approval by HM Treasury at the end of September for the £230 million scheme.

Documents submitted to Somerset Council by AtkinsRealis outline the need for “temporary access” and “extension to existing retaining wall, flood defence wall and embankment” on land to the south-east of Brickyard Cottages in Pawlett and at Tuckett’s Clyce in Combwich.

The scheme at Pawlett will see the existing primary flood embankment south of the village raised by 0.4m to 0.7m for approximately 950m. It will also see the construction of a new 1.8m high secondary flood embankment northwards for approximately 440m.

The existing flood defence wall on the riverward side of Brickyard Cottages will be rebuilt and raised by approximately 0.7m.

At Combwich, a similar scheme is proposed, with the existing primary flood embankment at the south-east of the village raised between 0.5 to 1.0m for 1.2km, and construction of a new 1.4m high secondary flood embankment over a length of 800m to the south of the village.

The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme comprises of three principal elements. Element A relates to the Tidal Barrier itself located across the River Parrett at the Express Park and Chilton Trinity, with a foot and cycle bridge, bypass channel and ancillary buildings.

Element B, which relates to the works at Combwich and Pawlett, will see downstream defences, outfall structures and borrow pit regeneration for habitat creation.

Element C seeks to improve fish and eel passage at various upstream sites on the River Parrett and River Tone.

Comments can be submitted to Somerset Council until November 5. The planning reference is: 13/24/00002