Speakers revealed for Wash barrage meeting at Hunstanton

Controversial plans to build a barrage stretching from Hunstanton to Skegness were revealed last November. 

They include a contained port powered by tidal energy and promoter Centre Port claim the 11-mile long structure would also protect the Fens and low lying areas of the coast line from future flooding and generate enough power for 600,000 homes.

There are fears a barrage would harm unique tidal habitats in The Wash (Image: Ian Burt)But conservationists said the proposals would damage unique tidal habitats in the internationally important estuary, which provides a haven for wildlife.

Hunstanton Town Council is holding a presentation meeting at the resort's Princess Theatre on Friday, November 3 (6pm).

An agenda now lists the speakers who will be taking part, with each allowed 10 minutes to speak and five to take questions from members of the public.

Pencilled in are Terry Parish, leader of West Norfolk council, Judith Stoutt from the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority,  Andy Bullen, a member of the Kings Lynn Conservancy Board, oceanographer Tim Jickells, Mike Jones from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and James Sutcliffe chief executive of Centre Port Holdings.

A planning application has yet to be submitted for the scheme, which Centre Port said could be operational by the end of the decade if given the go-ahead.

A Wash barrage was first proposed in the late 1960s. Similar plans were proposed in 2008 but later abandoned after an outcry from conservation groups.

Power firm Centrica has invested an undisclosed sum in a feasibility study into the latest scheme.

The Environment Agency has also warned a barrage may be needed to protect King's Lynn over the longer term.

The meeting was moved to the theatre from Hunstanton Town Hall because of demand for seating.