Skip to content

Final consultation on coastal protection plan

Shelagh Parkinson
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Balfour Beatty Artist’s impressions of the scheme to prevent erosion at Anchorsholme BeachBalfour Beatty
An artist's impression of the scheme planned for Anchorsholme Beach

Final consultation is under way ahead of a £30m investment in work to protect part of Blackpool's coastline.

Five new rock groynes are planned for Anchorsholme Beach at Princes Way to protect against the threat of coastal erosion.

Some public consultation has already been held, but Blackpool Council has now published a public notice of the proposed work as part of the Coast Protection Act.

Details of the shoreline management plan can be viewed at Anchorsholme Library on Luton Road, with anyone wishing to object being given a 6 May deadline.

The council's notice said work would consist of adding rock to raise the height of the existing sea barrier, called a coastal revetment, by 3.5m (11.5ft), extending the northern and southern edges by about 25m (82ft) and extending the toe of the revetment by about 10m (32.8ft) further forward.

Five new rock groynes would be built stretching between 75m and 125m (246ft and 410ft) offshore from the existing sea wall.

Blackpool Council Clay and cobbles can be seen under wet sand at Anchorsholme beachBlackpool Council
Shifting sands have exposed clay and cobbles on Anchorsholme beach

Navigation markers would also be installed at the end of the groynes for safe navigation by sea vessels.

The work, funded in part by Environment Agency grants, would begin later this year with estimated completion by 2028.

Several residents have objected to the plan over the siting of the construction compound, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Contractor Balfour Beatty has been appointed to carry out the work, which the council said was necessary in order to preserve the beach for future generations.

A design and access statement submitted with the planning application added: "The loss of the beach without the installation of the groynes, would not only be harmful to the character and appearance of the area but would also result in the loss of a large area of beach habitat."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.