The Barrier
As part of the scheme a tidal barrier was planned to be built across the channel entrance to Lake Lothing on the seaward side of the Bascule Bridge.
A 28m mitre gate was originally designed, however navigation simulations for this option, which took place in April 2021, showed significant challenges for the navigation of vessels entering the Port. A decision was made to extend the size of the mitre gate to 40m, which will maintain the current width of the navigation channel.
During the design phase for the tidal barrier, and as a result of crippling cost increases relating to materials, labour, design changes and inflation, a £124m funding gap emerged.
The project team has engaged with both the Government and the Environment Agency (EA) to seek the necessary additional funding needed to complete the project.
£15 million has been spent on the project to date, and this sum is accounted for with funds that have already been pledged. However, the project is scheduled to spend an additional £20 million from February to July 2024 and this amount cannot be covered by pledged funds, creating a £20 million risk for the Council.
Nevertheless, it is now clear that there is no immediate prospect of funding requests being met by the Government or EA, and therefore East Suffolk Council has been left with no alternative but to halt work on the tidal barrier element of the scheme.
Transport Works Act Order
In October 2023, East Suffolk Council submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application for the proposed Lowestoft Tidal Barrier. In the application it was made clear that additional funding would be required to enable the Tidal Barrier to be constructed.
Following the decision made in January to halt work on the Lowestoft Tidal Barrier, the Council have worked tirelessly to secure additional funding for the project. Despite these efforts no additional funding has been secured. As a result, the Council has concluded it is not possible to continue with the TWAO application.
Consultations
We will be working closely with the local community, businesses and all key stakeholders over the coming months as we move forward with preparing for the tidal barrier and the Transport and Works Act Order application.
If you miss any consultations and would like to provide feedback or ask a question please get in touch with the project team by emailing lowestoftfloodprotection@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
Tidal Barrier Consultation: 5 June - 3 July 2023
A public consultation took place between 5 June - 3 July 2023 with drop-in sessions held at the East Point Pavilion on 14th and 15th June. View the 2023 Consultation materials booklet. You can also view information in our Virtual Visitor Centre.
Tidal Barrier Consultation: 21 November 2022 - 12 January 2023
This consultation took place between 21 November 2022 - 12 January 2023. with drop-in sessions at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club. View the 2022/3 Consultation materials.
Tidal Barrier Consultation: 30 October - 14 December 2017
This consultation took place between 30 October and 14 December 2017 with an Open Day on Thursday 30 November 2017 at Riverside, Lowestoft. View the 2017 Consultation materials.