Waveney District Council is to
consult local residents, businesses and harbour users on its
preferred scheme for stabilising the North Dock Wall at Southwold
Harbour.
In spring 2009 there was renewed pressure for urgent action after
pieces of concrete fell from the Harbour wall face. This led the
Council to allocate funds for an assessment to prove the economic
viability of work in the area and it was anticipated that if the
study identified a viable method of stabilising the North wall, it
would be implemented as a matter of urgency over the winter of
2010/11.
The Council commissioned consultant HR Wallingford to undertake the
assessment and also asked them to identify a preferred scheme. This
included a supplementary study into the viability of dredging as a
risk management option.
Following key stakeholder consultation, a shortlist of construction
options was identified and taken forward for detailed benefit and
cost assessment. The analysis included estimates of capital
spending on major works including all aspects of the design,
approval and construction process.
The Council’s Preferred Scheme (Composite Scheme 2) comprises steel
piling over approximately 15% of the frontage at the RNLI Base and
a rock revetment behind a cut down wall over the remainder. This
option also has potential for future adaptation should
environmental conditions and investment opportunity allow.
Deputy Leader, Councillor Colin Law commented: “The Council
reviewed the findings and considered its current financial
restraints when reaching this decision. The uncertainties regarding
construction risk and the potential for significant environmental
change within the estuary were also key factors. Several options
were technically and economically viable and a scheme has been
selected which delivers the key requirements, while still managing
to present lower capital costs.
“We are now looking to advance the project to the procurement and
design stage as a matter of urgency with the aim of achieving
completion of construction by spring 2011. We will also explore
partnership funding opportunities with a view to identifying
additional funds that may allow delivery of a higher capital cost
option or further works in the future.”
The Council is now seeking views on the proposed scheme from
stakeholders and the public and a
consultation will run
from Wednesday 3 February until Tuesday 2 March 2010, with
documents available
online from this date.
HR Wallingford’s full report is available to view online and hard
copies of the document will be on display during business hours at
the following locations from
Friday 5
February:
• Reception, Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, NR32 1HS
• Marina Customer Service Centre next to Marina Theatre, Marina,
Lowestoft, NR32 1HH
• Southwold Town Hall, High Street, Southwold IP18 6EF
• Southwold Tourist Information Centre, 69 High Street, Southwold,
IP18 6DS
• Southwold Library, North Green, Southwold, IP18 6AT
• Southwold Harbour Masters Office, Blackshore, Southwold Harbour,
IP18 6TA
An exhibition/drop in session will take place at the Southwold
Sports Pavillion, Southwold Common, on Thursday 11 February from
11am to 7pm and the documents will be on display to members of the
public. Council officers and representatives from HR Wallingford
will be present to discuss the report and answer questions relating
to this consultation.
Visit the
‘
Consultations’ page or follow the link in the ‘Do it online’
section on the homepage to access the documents. Comments via email
can be sent to
shw@waveney.gov.uk and
written responses sent to Paul Patterson, Waveney District Council,
Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft NR32 1HS.
A report will be taken to Cabinet on 18 March recommending an
option to be taken forward for detailed design and
construction.