Coastal defence works at Land at Promenade, Sea and Foreshore, West of Tram Tracks (Kingsway to Norkeed Court, Queens Promenade, Anchorsholme)

What was proposed

The application proposed a rock overlay to existing concrete defences, five Y-shaped rock groynes, improved beach access and construction compounds.

“On behalf of Blackpool Council, Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Limited is proposing to construct five new rock groynes at the site (structures built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sand). It is also proposed to construct a rock revetment overlay to provide long-term protection for the existing concrete defences.”

“The new groynes would extend between 75m and 125m from the shoreline. The groynes would be similar to those installed at Cleveleys to the north, but would be Y- shaped rather than straight. This form is proposed because it traps sand more efficiently. New concrete cross-over ramps would be built to provide vehicular and pedestrian access across the groynes. Navigation markers would be provided on the end of some of the groynes.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 26-hectare coastal site extends about 1.5 kilometres and includes beach, foreshore, open space, conservation areas and flood zones.

“The site is located along the coast at Anchorsholme, approximately 6km to the north of the centre of Blackpool. It extends approximately 1.5km from an area of beach adjacent to the Kingsway/Princes Way junction at Cleveleys in the north, to just south of the Little Bispham tram-stop in the south. The total area is approximately 26ha, including the scheme footprint and associated temporary working areas.”

“The site includes areas of Public Open Space, Coast and foreshore, nature conservation value, Flood Zone 2 and 3 and an Article 4 Direction which are protected by appropriate Local Plan policies.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history in Blackpool, although Wyre Council had approved earlier coastal defence permissions nearby.

“There is no relevant planning history in the Council’s area. The following planning permissions have been approved by Wyre Council for a coastal area 1km to the north of the current site:”

“20/01221/FULMAJ - Construction of a coastal defence revetment system and improvements to seawall, and creation of site compound at Jubilee Gardens Public Park in association with the construction works. Land at Cleveleys Promenade Thornton-Cleveleys (Received 25/11/2020, Approved 3/06/21). • 20/01221/DIS - Agreement of details reserved by condition 03 (Construction Environmental Management Plan) on planning permission 20/01221/FULMAJ (approved 15 July 2022)”

Officer report

Why officers supported approval

Officers considered the flood-defence need and long-term public benefits outweighed temporary construction, visual, traffic and amenity impacts.

“The Environmental Statement confirms that the scheme can proceed without causing unacceptable adverse impacts to the local environment. Whilst there would be disturbance during construction this would be mitigated and is significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the longer-term environmental benefits of the scheme.”

“As with most projects of this nature, there would be some unavoidable but temporary disruption resulting from construction traffic, access to affected working areas during construction and a temporary diversion of a footpath and cycleway (the Promenade). Disturbance for the local community during the construction period would also arise from noise and impact on views.”

Officer report

Main objections

Fifty-eight public representations and a 1,000-signature petition opposed the proposals, citing green-space loss, appearance, wildlife, tourism, noise and amenity.

“Individual representations have been received from 59 members of the public. Of these, 58are objecting and one is in support, and 47 are from the local area, including properties fronting the Promenade. Additionally, a petition with 1000 signatures objecting to the proposals has been received, with around 60% of signatories being from the Blackpool/Fylde area.”

“Many objectors question the need for the compounds to be located in an area of green space as proposed and consider that there must be better, less sensitive locations. They point out that green space is limited in Blackpool, the affected area is well used and a significant area of green space is taken up for much of the year by infrastructure associated with the illuminations.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A residents’ representative and a ward councillor spoke against the scheme, while a contractor representative answered technical questions for the Committee.

The decision

The Committee delegated authority to approve the application, subject to securing statutory biodiversity net gain and imposing the listed planning conditions.

“Resolved: Resolve: to delegate authority to approve the application to the Head of Development Management with close monitoring by the Chair of the Planning Committee subject to:”

“(i) The Head of Development Management being satisfied that mechanisms are in place to secure that the development delivers Biodiversity Net Gain in accordance with statutory requirements. (ii) The conditions set out in the Committee Report and the Update Note, modified to the extent that the Head of Planning considers appropriate, provided that the modifications did not materially change what the condition was seeking to achieve.”

Minutes