Inquiry

Felixstowe South Port Reconfiguration

The Transport Minister Derek Twigg has announced that he has approved the proposals for a new container terminal at Felixstowe South.

The proposals by Hutchinson Ports involve the reconfiguration of the Landguard terminal as a deep-sea container port, adding almost one kilometre of quayside for the handling of more containers.

David Smith acted for the Highways Agency with whom the developer agreed a package of traffic and demand management measures and developer-funded works to protect the trunk road network affected by the development.

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Wednesday 1 February 2006 10:12

Department for Transport (National)

FELIXSTOWE SOUTH PORT RECONFIGURATION IS APPROVED

Transport Minister Derek Twigg announced today that he has approved the proposals for a new container terminal at Felixstowe South.

The proposals by Hutchison Ports involve the reconfiguration of the Landguard terminal as a deep-sea container port, and would add almost one kilometre of quayside dedicated to the handling of more containers at Felixstowe.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also granting planning permission today for the landward works forming part of the reconfiguration proposals.

The decision to approve the new terminal is in line with the recommendation of the Inspector who reported last year on the public inquiry held into the proposals in 2004.

Commenting on the announcement, Derek Twigg said:

"The proposed reconfiguration of the port will contribute significantly to meeting the national need for additional container handling capacity in a sustainable manner. I am satisfied that the proposals' impacts on infrastructure and on the environment are acceptable and are adequately addressed by the proposed package of mitigation and other measures agreed by the promoters.

“It is important to ensure that the wider impacts of major port developments are fully taken into account.”

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Notes to Editors

1. Hutchison Ports UK, owners of the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company, have made applications to the Secretary of State for Transport for a Harbour Revision Order, a Transport and Works Act Order and consent under the Coast Protection Act for various works and powers. There is also an associated application by the Harwich Haven Authority for a Coast Protection Act consent for capital dredging.

2. Hutchison Ports' associated application for planning permission is being determined in parallel today by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

3. A public local inquiry into all the applications, which are interdependent, was held between October and December 2004. The Inspector considered all the arguments for and against the proposals, and reported in April 2005 recommending approval of the applications, subject to conditions.

4. The Ministers' reasons for approval of the proposals are set out in the decision letters which are being sent today to all interested parties.

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300

Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

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