Following recent meetings with the developers of the Tidal Lagoon
Swansea Bay (TLSB) and their consulting engineers the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is satisfied
that its concerns for recreational boating are being addressed.

Stuart Carruthers RYA Cruising Manager said: ‘Whilst undoubtedly the
project will bring many benefits to the Swansea community and will
enhance watersports activities and opportunities we are keen to ensure
that cruising boaters and those using the marinas in the rivers Tawe and
Neath are disadvantaged as little as possible by the development if it
receives consent.

‘We have had a detailed discussion about our concerns with the
developer and we are satisfied that they are understood and will be
addressed as best they can.’

The RYA was particularly concerned that increased siltation might
affect navigable depth in the rivers, channels and marinas, that there
were insufficient measures proposed to prevent collision with the
structure, and with the potential effects of the tidal turbines and wave
reflection on cruising boats.

The national governing body for all forms of boating said it had agreed in a statement of common ground with the developers
that they will implement additional monitoring measures and protective
provisions in order to manage any increased siltation effects that might
arise from the project.

The structure will be clearly lit/marked and charted in accordance with Trinity House requirements.

The RYA is satisfied that the lagoon seawall and the effects of wave
reflection has, as far as practically possible been reduced by its
design. Dolphin piles, safety barriers and emergency shutdown procedures
will be put in place which will address our concerns over effect of the
tidal turbines.

Timeline

TLSB’s application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the
Project was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on 7 February 2014
and accepted for consideration on 6 March 2014.

The public examination
of the application began on 10 June 2014 and will run for a statutory
maximum of six months. 

Further information about the planning process is available on the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay website, and the application documents are available here and on the Inspectorate’s website.

Pictures: Artist’s impressions of the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay scheme.