Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Proposed Salt Marshes: Pawlett Hams

09 October 2024 · 2 other contributors · 4,092 words

Opened by Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater

Responding minister: Mary Creagh

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ashley Fox raised concerns about proposed salt marshes: pawlett hams in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about EDF's plans to establish a salt marsh at Pawlett Hams in Somerset, which would flood 800 acres of countryside.
  • Proposal would affect rare flora and fauna, including lapwings, redshanks, otters, water voles, water beetles, great crested newts, and yellow wagtails.
  • Asked government to consider alternative methods for environmental improvements and to fund local initiatives with money saved from not installing an acoustic fish deterrent.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Government to consider whether there might be a better way of delivering environmental improvements than through the Environment Agency. I propose that any money saved from not installing an acoustic fish deterrent, which could be tens of millions of pounds, should be put at the disposal of the local community to fund genuine environmental improvements by democratically accountable bodies such as Somerset Council and the local town and parish councils.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater

I am concerned about EDF's plans to establish a salt marsh at Pawlett Hams in Somerset, which was highly unpopular with the local community. The proposal would flood 800 acres of beautiful Somerset countryside and turn it into a barren, species-poor salt marsh, endangering the land itself and its rare flora and fauna, including lapwings, redshanks, otters, water voles, water beetles, great crested newts, and yellow wagtails. Pawlett Hams is part of the Bridgwater bay site of special scientific interest and provides valuable grazing for local farmers that would be lost if the area was turned into a salt marsh.

Other contributors (2)
  • Simon Opher Lab Stroud

    He thanked the hon. Gentleman for his summary and expressed concern about EDF's application to modify Hinkley Point C's consent order, questioning whether it is an acceptable price for an environmentally unique habitat given the predicted loss of 182 million fish.

  • Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells and Mendip Hills

    She paid tribute to the community at Pawlett Hams for their fierce but gentle campaign against the proposed salt marshes, highlighting concerns about EDF and the Environment Agency's initial heavy-handed approach. Mentioned that the proposed salt marsh creation has caused distress in Kingston Seymour due to a lack of detailed information. Raised concerns about potential flooding, increased insurance costs, and impacts on local wildlife sites. Emphasized the need for clear communication from the Environment Agency regarding plans and their implications.

Government Response

Mary Creagh

It is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. I congratulate the hon. Member for Bridgwater on securing this debate and on his excellent representation of his constituents' views here today. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 protects special areas of conservation and special protected areas, requiring an assessment of whether a plan or project could have an adverse impact on the integrity of a protected site. In this case, Hinkley Point C has applied to remove an acoustic fish deterrent, potentially necessitating compensation for the loss of fish within the Severn estuary site. Pawlett Hams was designated as part of the Bridgwater bay SSSI in 1989 and is important for its network of freshwater ditches and associated invertebrate communities. The Environment Agency has not agreed with the suitability of the Pawlett Hams sites until further evidence and assessment are completed. Hinkley Point C is investigating new locations for salt marsh creation as an alternative to Pawlett Hams, engaging stakeholders ahead of public consultation. The application for a material change is currently in the pre-application stage involving consultation with various bodies including statutory consultees such as the Environment Agency and Natural England. The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will ultimately make the decision based on evidence presented without predetermined views. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to accelerate house building, infrastructure delivery, and streamline major projects while also committing to protecting and restoring nature, aiming to halt species abundance decline by 2030 and reverse it by 2042. Solar farms can provide a boost to nature and diversify farm income with up to 140% biodiversity net gain on grazing land. Salt marshes are valuable habitats supporting essential nursery grounds for many fish including sea bass and herring.

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