THE Inland Waterways Association has submitted a formal objection to the government regarding the £100m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier plans.

Over the past two months, members of the public and various organisations have been able to have their say on the Transport Works Act Order (TWAO) for the barrier.

If granted by the Secretary of State, this will give the legal go-ahead to construct the barrier.

However this week the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has objected, saying the long-term navigation of the River Parrett has not been adequately addressed.

The letter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs setting out its position states: “While the IWA generally supports the construction of the proposed Tidal Barrier and the long term benefits that should be secured for the residents and businesses of Bridgwater, we consider that more needs to be done to protect and maintain the existing right of navigation on the river and to secure the use of the tidal barrier to enhance the river for navigation purposes above the barrier.

“IWA believes that the Tidal Barrier as currently proposed by the Environment Agency will have adverse implications for navigation over the long term, which is likely to be for at least 100 years and probably much longer.”

The IWA say that ‘required land to be set aside within the decommissioned bypass channel for the future construction of a lock has not been safeguarded’, and that ‘insufficient minimum headroom for navigation is permitted under both the vertical lift gates and the foot and cycle bridge.’

The TWAO consultation has now closed, meaning that the project is now awaiting the sign off by the Secretary of State, currently George Eustice MP.

It is hoped the barrier will better protect at least 11,300 properties and 1,500 businesses from climate change and future flood risk.

If the TWAO is approved the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier could be operational by 2024.