THE preferred site and design for the Bridgwater Barrier has been selected by the Environment Agency and Sedgemoor District Council and partnership organisations following public consultation.

Site 5 has been selected between the Express Park and Chilton Trinity Village, with a vertical lift gate design like the Hull Barrier.

During the consultation period, social media posts were viewed over 3,700 times and approximately 150 people attended the meetings and events held for the public, stakeholders and local businesses.  

A total of 78 responses to the consultation were received indicating there is continued support for a barrier.

Although the majority of responses favoured Site 4, approximately halfway between Dunball Wharf and Express Park, the Bridgwater Barrier Agency have selected the more affordable Site 5.

In a joint statement released by Sedgemoor District Council and the Environment Agency, the authorities say: "Following technical assessments and consideration of all points raised, the Environment Agency and Sedgemoor District Council have jointly concluded that the best solution for Bridgwater is to locate the barrier at Site 5, which is between Express Park and Chilton Trinity village.

SDC and the Environment Agency cite the following reasons for this choice:

-   "We have the greatest confidence of achieving the permissions for construction at this location and it is the least cost site
-    "It leaves the narrowest point in the river available for any future road crossing and northern by-pass 
-    "Our investigations have shown that the channel is less stable at Site 4, which makes it more difficult to predict the impact a barrier would have on the river and navigation
-    "There are several access points available for construction, to help manage disruption
-    "There is less risk of unpredictable siltation issues near Dunball Wharf, which would require costly maintenance dredging
-    "The width of the river is narrower at Site 5, meaning the structure will be smaller requiring less maintenance costs 
-    "It fits with aspirations in Sedgemoor District Council’s Green Network Plan for a pedestrian bridge linking Chilton Trinity with Express Park. This aligns with the principles and aims of the Bridgwater Vision."

The agencies have also selected a vertical lift gate, like the Hull Barrier pictured above.

"Our investigations show that the best design for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier is a vertical lift gate, comprising two gates," the joint statement says.

"Two gates give the best flexibility and reliability for operation generally and allows for continued navigation during maintenance. 

"A vertical lift gate offers: 
-    Proven reliability in a very silty, tidal environment
-    Lower maintenance and operational costs
-    Similar technology to other Somerset sluices which means that there are no requirements for specialist staff
-    Ability to be used to pen water for potential future amenity uses
-   Potential to flush silt beneath the gate to assist maintenance
-    Potential to add pedestrian bridge and cycleway"

SDC and the Environment Agency say they will be developing ideas for the appearance of the barrier and landscaping the site over the coming months.

"We will share our thoughts in a consultation period in the summer / early autumn, at which time we will also be seeking your views on the above.  In the meantime, if you would like to contact the project team, please email: bridgwater.barrier@environment-agency.gov.uk."

The two choices by the agency contradict the recommendations made by Bridgwater Town Council for site 4 and a rising sector gate, like the Thames Barrier.