John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare MP Meets with Secretary of State to Advise on Severn Barrage Study

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose met with Secretary of State John Hutton MP last week to discuss the Government’s feasibility study on the Severn Barrage.

Mr Penrose had been invited to the Severn Barrage Tidal Power Feasibility Study Forum, chaired by the Minister, after lobbying for the study to compare the various competing technologies for harnessing the power of the Severn estuary, including a barrage and tidal lagoons.  

The study is due to take two years and will examine the pros and cons of each option in six key areas: Environmental impact; Engineering and technical issues; Economic effects; Regional policy; Planning consents and Stakeholder engagement. The eventual choice will take 5-10 years to build depending on which solution is chosen. During the meeting Mr Penrose asked for - and received - reassurances that the analysis of environmental impacts and economic effects will include an assessment of the results for beaches and leisure activities and industries, since these will be critical for seaside towns like Weston-super-Mare.

The Weston-super-Mare MP was also keen to seek clarification over the transport links that a possible barrage could bring to the area. Currently the Government says it does not envisage any transport links if a barrage was built, but Mr Penrose says he will expect them to prove this case in the future.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Penrose said: “I was glad to meet with the Minister and see that the Government is being as transparent and open as possible on this.

“The Severn estuary is the single largest potential source of renewable energy in the UK, equivalent to several conventional or nuclear power stations. If a barrage or a series of tidal lagoons is built it will have a massive impact both locally and nationally, so the Government’s study has to be as balanced and reasoned as possible.

“Concerned residents should make their voices known. The details of the feasibility study can be found on the Department’s website and any comments or reactions can be sent through to me and I will take them directly to the Minister at our next meeting”