THE team behind the £100m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme have been granted an extension 'to resolve objections' from the Secretary of State.

The tidal barrier will be constructed across the River Parrett north of Bridgwater with gates that can be closed to prevent very high water levels travelling upstream and flooding property and infrastructure.

The Environment Agency and Sedgemoor District Council are working together on the project with support from the Somerset Rivers Authority and funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

In December 2019, the team submitted a Transport and Works Act Order to the Secretary of State for Defra - this is a major piece of legislature which if approved would mean construction could begin.

In an update issued this week, the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier team said the consultation period for statements of support, representations and objections had ended and the project team were continuing to respond to each objection and representation individually.

A spokesman for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier team said: "The Secretary of State will decide whether to progress and determine the TWAO application by a Public Inquiry or by Written Representations.

"We have recently asked for an extension of time to allow us to continue to address any remaining concerns.

"We can confirm that the Secretary of State has granted an extension of the time to resolve objections, until the July 31, with an option to ask for an earlier decision subject to progress.

"This extension of time will allow us to continue to engage with individuals and organisations with concerns with a view to identifying as much common ground as possible."