(Image credit: Neil Theasby (cc-by-sa/2.0))
Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, has welcomed the fantastic news that Natural England have listened and have withdrawn their objection to the planning application for the proposed South Withernsea Coastal Defence Scheme.
The news comes following Graham writing to the Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, to highlight the devastating effects the loss of the road would have on the community and asking him to look into Natural England’s concerns. Government officials subsequently liaised with Natural England, who have confirmed that they will withdraw their holding objection to the planning application.
Responding to the news, Graham said: “I have worked for years with Councillors Lyn Healing, Dave Tucker and Paul Whitehead, along with council officers seeking to secure this vital protection for the people and businesses of Withernsea, so I’m delighted it’s bearing fruit. We’re not over the line yet but with Natural England withdrawing their objection we should be all set to go if we successfully jump the final hurdle which is the securing of the ERDF funding, which we should know in the next few weeks.
“We all know just how important it is to the local community to secure the futures of Holmpton Road and Hollym Road, which this rock armour will help protect. Not only will it save people’s homes, the roads are vital for blue light services to get to the communities to the south of Withernsea.
“I was disappointed that Natural England didn’t seem to recognise this when they announced their intention to object to the scheme at its planning stage, which is why I held discussions with them and East Riding Council, to help impress upon Natural England that these protections are of vital importance for the future of Withernsea and the surrounding area.
“I understand that Natural England still have concerns about the effect that the scheme will have on sediment flow along the coast, so I thank them for taking on board the concerns of my constituents in making their decision.”
The scheme is now through to the second stage of an ERDF funding application due this Autumn, which will provide £3m of the £5.5m needed.
Graham said, “I will continue to support this project as it goes through its funding application and have offered my full support to council officers and local councillors.”
Councillor Lyn Healing said: “This news is a great relief. It was extremely worrying that Natural England were objecting to the planning application and we councillors have been working hard with council officers to find a way round Natural England’s concerns. I am pleased that Graham has been so involved in helping us, not only intervening directly with Natural England, but also in highlighting how important this scheme is to us in Withernsea with the Minister. Now that Natural England are on board we have to hope that we get the £3m ERDF funding."
