The TWAO is the means through which legal powers can be granted to construct the scheme. It is required due to restrictions on navigation on the River Parrett when the barrier is closed. Putting the scheme into practice could mean implementing changes that would affect people in the local area. Because of this, applications for TWAOs have to follow a set procedure which allows people to give their views on the proposals.

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.

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.

Rachel Burden, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

Submission of the TWAO is an exciting milestone for everyone and is the result of a lot of planning and engagement with our partners, stakeholders and community groups. The barrier will better protect at least 11,300 properties and 1,500 businesses from climate change and future flood risk and we are on track to have it operational by 2024.

Cllr Mike Caswell, Sedgemoor District Council’s Portfolio holder for Infrastructure and Transport, said:

The submission of the Order is a very important milestone in the achievement of the Bridgwater tidal barrier. The barrier will protect many thousands of residents and hundreds of businesses from the devastating threat of flooding.

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said:

The Bridgwater tidal barrier project will not only reduce the risk of flooding in Bridgwater and the surrounding area but it will provide opportunities to further develop the protected land. The £2m Growth Deal funding towards this project is important in supporting the local economy and generating growth in the region.

The TWAO submission will be available to view at key locations for the next 8 weeks:

• Environment Agency, Rivers House office, Bridgwater
• Bridgwater Town Library, Bridgwater
• Somerset West and Taunton Council offices, Taunton
• South Somerset District Council offices, Yeovil
• GOV.UK
• BDB Pitmans LLP, London

Members of the public or organisations are invited to make representations on the scheme to Defra (not to the Environment Agency) so these can be considered by the Secretary of State when deciding whether or not to grant the Order. The Minister may decide a public inquiry will be needed before a decision is made.

For more information about the barrier please visit GOV.UK.