Introduction
The West Somerset Lagoon Project team are excited to share their plans and invite you to help shape its future. This is an important opportunity to work together to create lasting benefits for our community. Your views matter, and the team wants to hear from you.
Meet the Team
Led by specialists with over 50 years of expertise in the water, hydropower and marine works sector, the West Somerset Lagoon Project Team has a proven track record in delivering major energy and marine engineering projects and brings extensive knowledge in engineering design, master planning, and architecture.
The project team is headed by Aidan Clegg as Chief Executive Officer, with assistance from tidal range professional Chris Binnie FICE FREng, Steve Pickard, Offshore design specialist David Kerr FICE, Hydrodynamic expert Professor Roger Falconer FICE FREng, and Architect Julia Barfield providing architectural overview and master planning. They will be supported by professional consultants in engineering, planning and environmental matters.
Project Supporters
The West Somerset Lagoon project has attracted significant interest and backing from a range of stakeholders at national, regional and local levels.
National and Regional Support
Rachel Gilmour MP – Member of Parliament for Tiverton and Minehead, who has expressed her intention to work with government officials to help progress the project.
Somerset Council – Supporting the project as part of its commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy.
Exmoor National Park Authority – The statutory body responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Exmoor National Park seeks to ensure that Exmoor plays its part in tidal energy in a way that is compatible with National Park purposes.
Great South West – A regional partnership promoting economic growth and innovation, which sees the Lagoon as a catalyst for green energy investment and job creation in the South West.
Local Support
Minehead and Coast Development Trust – Advocating for projects that bring economic and environmental benefits to the area.
Alignment with Government Policy
The UK Government has signalled a clear commitment to clean energy and the transition to net zero. The West Somerset Lagoon aligns with this ambition by exploring tidal energy opportunities in the Bristol Channel.
The Emerging Masterplan
Strategically located between Minehead and Watchet along the Bristol Channel, where the tides reach one of the world’s highest ranges of over 10 metres, the West Somerset Lagoon Project will harness this previously untapped and remarkable force using existing tried and tested technology to provide clean, cost-effective energy. It will create hundreds of local jobs and bring benefits to the local community. This project will help protect our coastline and create new spaces for everyone to enjoy, supporting both environmental sustainability and local economic growth. The project includes:​​
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A curved lagoon wall about 14 km long which will create a sheltered water area, where around 125 turbines will harness the power of the tides, both incoming and outgoing, to generate clean, reliable energy.
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Over 80% of the lagoon area will be dedicated to public and recreational use.
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A new promenade, viewing tower, visitor/education centre, 300-berth all-tide floating marina, and water sports hub.
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A potential ferry terminal to South Wales as well as improved walking/cycling routes.
Benefits for our Community
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UK energy security - The lagoon will provide clean, cost-effective, predictable renewable energy for 2 million UK homes (median usage).
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This major energy infrastructure project is designed to last for at least 120 years, which is four times as long as wind and solar and twice as long as nuclear.
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Creating well-paid, skilled, year-round jobs for local people. Overall, the project is expected to create approximately 8,000 jobs during construction and over 300 jobs in operation and through the wider master plan.
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Reduced coastal erosion and improved resilience to storms and sea level rise.
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Enhanced leisure and cultural facilities in Minehead and along the coast.
Environmental Considerations
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The lagoon site has been carefully chosen to be outside designated conservation areas, including the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA), and any Marine Protected Areas.
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As part of the planning process, the lagoon will enable detailed studies of birds, fish, and habitats, incorporating minimisation, mitigation and compensation measures such as slower-rotation turbines, acoustic deterrents, and habitat creation.
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A commitment to Biodiversity and Marine Net Gain and ongoing monitoring.
Construction and Traffic
The lagoon enclosure will consist of large concrete units constructed in ports around the Estuary / Bristol Channel, floated to the site (like the Mulberry harbour units in WW2) and sunk in position. The turbines and all of the large equipment will also be delivered by sea direct to the lagoon site. Thus, only small components will be delivered by land and possibly by railway.
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As part of the project, the team will actively explore opportunities to upgrade local roads, with particular attention to the A39, Quay Street, and the B3191 between Watchet and Blue Anchor.
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Construction is expected to take around 5 years, once permissions are in place.
How to Have Your Say
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Complete the online survey by clicking in the button below
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Attend a drop-in session: dates/venues to be announced in this website
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Deadline for feedback: Easter 2026
What Happens Next
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The West Somerset Lagoon Project team will review all feedback and publish a summary report.
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Feedback will inform design, environmental measures, and community benefits.
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Further consultations will follow on detailed designs and specific locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will wildlife be protected?
Yes. The project will include surveys and aims for Biodiversity and Marine Net Gain.
Will the lagoon be open to the public?
Yes. Much of the area will be available for recreation, with new promenades and leisure facilities.
How long will the lagoon last?
It is designed to last for at least 120 years, providing long-term benefits.
Is the energy reliable?
Tides are predictable. The scheme generates power on both ebb and flood, with short-term storage options and the potential of floating solar on the calmer waters of the lagoon thus saving the loss of agricultural land.