The multi-million pound expansion plans for the Port of Felixstowe have been given an urgent green light by Suffolk Coastal after councillors agreed to allow the works to be phased, rather than done all at once.

Planning permission was originally granted by the Government’s planning inspectorate in February 2006 but changes to the original scheme’s timing have been requested because of changing market conditions and the threat of expanding competing ports.

“The Port of Felixstowe is important both locally and internationally and this Council recognises the case put before us by the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company (FDRC) to allow them to phase their expansion plans,” said Cllr Ivan Jowers, Chairman of the Development Control Committee.

“I believe we have been strenuous in demanding conditions on the revised scheme that will safeguard the best interests of those living nearby to the Port while ensuring its future commercial viability.

“We have gained guarantees that there will be a significant improvement to flood protection for the area, and a fixed timetable for all the agreed compensatory measures. While it is disappointing that the rail improvements will now not occur until the second phase, overall I think this is the best deal for everyone,” added Cllr Jowers.

The planned expansion, known as Felixstowe South Reconfiguration (FSR), includes reclaiming 28 hectares of the existing Dock Basin and Haven, dredging to create a deep berthing pocket, an additional 910 metres of quay wall, 13 quayside cranes, and 50 rubber tired gantry cranes.

It also included a rail connection, with 700 metre rail terminal with eight tracks and up to six rail mounted gantry cranes, as well as sidings. However, one of the original planning conditions insisted that the complete scheme could not begin to operate until all the rail works had been completed.

FDRC has told the Council that it made its new application because of the ongoing delays in drawing up the legal agreements regarding the rail works, as well as the commercial pressures facing the Port.

“It is clear that to remain competitive, the Port of Felixstowe must soon increase its capacity. I am pleased that this Council has been able to support its goal and so promote the future prosperity of the Port, its employees, associated industries and the local economy generally,” said Cllr Colin Hart, Cabinet Member for Economic Development.

“We will continue to do whatever we can to support local jobs and enhance local companies, while of course ensuring that the best interests of this district are paramount,” added Cllr Hart.

Among the compensation measures that will occur as part of the development are a £17,000 contribution towards planting and acoustic fencing around Adastral Close, £85,000 of cycling and pedestrian improvements at Peewit Hill and at the Port entrances, £430,000 over 10 years to the Landguard Partnership, £65,000 towards the Sustrans cycleway over the Landguard peninsula, and provision for a ferry berth at Landguard.