Benefits of Lowestoft tidal barrier to be explained

A 40m tidal barrier - which would be the first such structure in the UK to be built without diverting the navigation channel - is earmarked to be built in the outer harbour and is due to be completed in 2026.

It will be the final part of the £67m Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project, which is also seeing tidal flood walls being constructed.

A public consultation into the tidal barrier opens on Monday, June 5 to enable residents, visitors and businesses to learn more about the major scheme.

An artist's impression of the tidal barrier Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

It will see information available about its construction, its environmental and navigational impacts and the operation and the maintenance of the barrier.

Information on the barrier will be available at Lowestoft Library, East Suffolk Council’s Riverside offices and the Marina Customer Services Centre. 

Information will also be available at the online virtual visitor centre at https://lfrmp.virtualconsultation.co.uk/

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 also take place at the East Point Pavilion.

The sessions are on Tuesday, June 13 12pm - 6pm and Wednesday, June 14 9.30am - 5pm.

The first phase of the permanent defences - the tidal flood walls - are approaching completion.

When complete, the tidal walls and tidal barrier will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 1,500 homes and 825 businesses.

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."

The consultation closes on Monday, July 3.