East Suffolk Council
Find out more about Lowestoft tidal barrier
Residents and businesses are invited to learn more about the Lowestoft tidal barrier, which will be the final phase of the town’s permanent flood defences.
A public consultation opens on Monday 5 June, enabling local residents, visitors and businesses to learn more about the tidal barrier. Information will be available about its construction, the environmental and navigational impacts and the operation and maintenance of the barrier.
Information on the barrier will be available at Lowestoft Library, the Council’s Riverside offices and the Marina Customer Services Centre.
Information will also be available at the online visitor centre.
To enable people to find out more about the barrier and speak to members of the Lowestoft Flood Protection team, two drop-in events will take place at the East Point Pavilion next month:
• Tuesday 13 June 12pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 14 June 9.30am - 5pm
Philip Ridley, Head of Planning and Coastal Management at East Suffolk Council said: “The Lowestoft tidal barrier is a significant project which will reduce the risk of flooding to hundreds of homes and businesses, however the construction is likely to cause some short-term disruption and so we want to ensure people living and working nearby understand what is planned, and have the opportunity to give their views.
“Our project team will be available to chat at our two drop-in events and everyone is welcome to come along to find out more about the barrier, how it will work and what the construction process will entail.”
The consultation closes on Monday 3 July.
The barrier will be the first in the UK to be built without diverting the navigation channel. To gain permission to install the barrier and access land for its construction and future maintenance, East Suffolk Council will need to submit a Transport and Works Act Order to Defra.
The first phase of the permanent defences - the tidal flood walls - are approaching completion. The walls are a mixture of glass topped flood walls, concrete flood walls, demountable defences which can be deployed ahead of a tidal surge, and flood gates. The final stage of construction, taking place on the South Pier and around the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club, is due for completion in September.
When complete, the tidal walls and tidal barrier will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 1,500 homes and 825 businesses in the town.