Coastal defence groynes at Land at Foreshore and Promenade from Gynn Square to Sandcastle, South Pier

What was proposed

The application proposed 17 rock groynes, access ramps, tie-in structures, temporary compounds and periodic beach recharge.

“It has yet to be determined if the rock proposed for use in the scheme would be transported to the site by sea or road. If by road, two routes into Blackpool have been identified, one northern and one southern. The vehicles that transport the rocks to the compounds are not able to drive onto the beach, and so the rock would have to be unloaded from these trucks within the compounds and then loaded onto vehicles that are capable of manoeuvring on sand.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site covers the beach, sea defences, parts of the Promenade and a former Law Courts site, within Flood Zone 3 and heritage settings.

“The majority of the site is the beach between a point approximately level with Cocker Square (c400m north of North Pier) and a point approximately level with Balmoral Road (c200m south of South Pier). The red edge also includes the existing sea defences, elements of the Promenade and the former Law Courts site on Chapel Street which would be used as a construction compound, as would other parts of the Promenade.”

“Parts of the site are within the Town Centre and North Promenade Conservation Areas. The site includes some Grade II listed buildings: part of North Pier and three pairs of shelters located on Princess Parade. The site is within the setting of other listed buildings, including the Grade I listed Blackpool Tower.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor and the lifeboat station chair spoke against the application, while a technical adviser addressed questions in support of it.

What the committee decided

The committee deferred the application to allow engagement with the RNLI and other stakeholders and a full, timely understanding of the risk assessment.

“Resolved: To defer the application to a future Committee to enable officers and the applicant to engage with the RNLI and other stakeholders in relation to public safety and to allow for a full and timely understanding of the risk assessment and any concerns arising.”

Minutes