Wash port scheme could be operational by 2031

An artist's impression of the proposed barrage between Lincolnshire and Norfolk

A multibillion-pound tidal barrier and port scheme in The Wash could be operational by 2031, developers said.

The project includes a road linking Lincolnshire and Norfolk, along with what is claimed to be the world’s first tidal-powered deep-sea container terminal.

James Sutcliffe, chief executive of Centre Port Holdings Ltd, told a meeting of Skegness Area Business Chamber he was optimistic the scheme could be up and running in seven to 10 years.

Some attendees said they were concerned about flooding and feared the development could worsen the situation.

'Very substantial'

During a presentation to the chamber, Mr Sutcliffe confirmed the company had already contacted the Planning Inspectorate regarding a Development Consent Order (DCO), which is needed due to the size and scale of the scheme.

He said he expected this to take up to two and a half years to process.

It could then take between four to six years to build the terminal, which would be capable of processing one and half million containers a year and handling some of the world’s largest container ships, he added.

Mr Sutcliffe said the terminal alone would employ 300 people, adding the resulting knock-on effect would be “very substantial".

The meeting was told the road linking Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire to Hunstanton in Norfolk would cut journey times from one and a half hours to 20 minutes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

East Lindsey district councillor Danny Brookes said he was concerned about flooding

However, some raised concerns about flooding, including local business owner and East Lindsey district councillor, Danny Brookes.

He said: “Are they willing to just sacrifice Skegness, which is where I live, to protect them? When do you become expendable?"

In response, Mr Sutcliffe said a major part of the initial phase of work would be to engage specialists and environmental and climate experts to carry out investigations.

“We will conduct investigations into the tides, currents and siltation, in addition to climate change enhanced storm surges to ensure that as far as possible the structure improves flood defence," he added.

Critics had previously claimed the scheme would be bad for the environment and fishing industry.

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