Harwich
The government has given the green light to the development of a £300 million deep sea container terminal at Bathside Bay in Harwich. Hutchison Ports, the developers who already own Harwich International Port and the Port of Felixstowe, have promised that there will an extra 1,600 direct and indirect jobs in an area which traditionally has high unemployment and a significant level of deprivation. Extensive development is already happening at South Felixstowe and development at Bathside would make the estuary one of the biggest container ports in Europe.
The report of a public inquiry will establish what transport improvements are needed. Hutchison has undertaken to carry out whatever is recommended, which will include an upgrade to the A120 and to rail links. The development has been the subject of heated debate in the area for many months. Environmental campaigners are concerned about the level of noise and pollution, including light pollution, on local residents. Families have been divided over the issue.
Harwich Deanery Synod (or assembly of the local parishes) has agreed that Christians should engage in the debate in an informed way, be proactive in ensuring that social infrastructure is included in development, be ready for consultation and support parish and district councillors.
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