Consultation on habitat restoration project for Hoveton Great Broad

10 Mar 2021 03:51 PM

Members of the public can have their say on an application to place fish-proof barriers at Hoveton Great Broad, Norfolk, as part of a restoration project.

The Natural England-led project aims to restore Hoveton Great Broad and Hudson’s Bay to a clear water, wildlife-rich state by using natural restoration techniques.

The Environment Agency has launched a public consultation today (10 March) on a flood risk activity permit application from Natural England. This is required to allow the installation of the permeable fish barriers.

The project proposes to remove the majority of fish from the broad (a technique known as biomanipulation), which will allow water fleas to thrive. These water fleas would then feed on the algae, thereby cleaning the water.

The barriers would be in place for up to 10 years, preventing fish from entering the Broad while the ecology recovers. Once the barriers are removed, the fish will be able to access the restored broad once again.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who wants to have their say on this proposal before we make our decision.”

The application along with guidance and relevant documents can be viewed via the Environment Agency online consultation portal. To view and make your response please visit: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/east-anglia-c-e/hoveton-great-broad-fra-permit

Comments can also be made via email: Enquiries_EastAnglia@environment-agency.gov.uk Or write to PSO Norfolk and Suffolk, Environment Agency, Iceni House, Cobham Road, Ipswich, IP3 9JD. Please quote the application number in any correspondence.

The application is also held on the public register. To request a copy of documents on the public register, which is free of charge, please phone the Environment Agency’s East Anglia Customer & Engagement team on 0203 0255472 or email Enquiries_EastAnglia@environment-agency.gov.uk

The consultation is open for 20 days from today (10th March). Responses must be received by the Environment Agency by midnight on 6th April 2021.

For Editors Background; This is a resubmitted application from Natural England. The original decision in July 2020 was withdrawn due to a procedural issue.