Peel reviews ports plan after consultation

PEEL Ports has revealed a programme of actions it plans to undertake to tackle areas of concern raised during consultation exercises over the new Mersey Ports Masterplan.

The firm held a series of consultation exercises between June and September last year after publishing a draft masterplan setting out a 20-year vision for projects alongside Liverpool’s ports and the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal in June last year.

The document contained a series of proposals for handling an expected increase in tonnage of around 70% expected by 2030, which could bring up to 800 jobs to the area.

However, following responses from 292 stakeholders and members of the public it formed working groups to work with concerned parties and has published an interim report addressing these.

It recognises the need to work with local communities at Seaforth Nature Reserve to gain a better understanding of what green assets are required and the investment opportunities that can arise, develop a protocol for dealing with environmental issues and traffic build-up from port expansion and to encourage the development of “multi-modal” freight to cut HGV journeys.

The interim document also addresses concerns over Eastham Village and land next to the QEII Dock, as well as ensuring better vessel planning methods for the Ship Canal to minimise the use of Warrington Swing Bridges.

Peel Ports has also said it will work with local authorities to establish protocols so that local schools, unemployed people and businesses stand to gain from port development.

Head of planning Warren Marshall said: “We continue to be encouraged by the level of interest in the Masterplan and by the overall support to our strategy from both our partners and from the general public, but we are taking nothing for granted.

“Now, as promised following the consultation, we have considered the six areas of concern in more detail. These action plans will be further developed and will inform the publication of a revised Masterplan in due course later this year.”