Denbighshire County Council has launched a consultation on proposals to improve coastal defences at Rhyl, between Drift Park and Splash Point.
The 28-day pre-application consultation for the Central Rhyl Coastal Defences Scheme will run between January 12 and February 9 and gives residents and other stakeholders the chance to comment on proposals ahead of submission of a planning application.
The proposed scheme aims to improve coastal flood defences to protect around 600 homes and businesses and protect the tourist economy from flooding events and coastal erosion well into the future.
The Council is working with Balfour Beatty and Mott MacDonald on progression of the scheme which is subject to the availability of funding and obtaining the relevant planning and environmental permissions.
If the scheme goes ahead, it would be partially funded by the Welsh Government, as part of its Coastal Risk Management Programme.
Between Drift Park and the SeaQuarium (western section) the proposals would include:
- a new stepped revetment;
- raised and widened promenade;
- a new sea defence wall at the rear of the promenade;
- improved access to the beach via steps and a ramp.
Between the SeaQuarium and Splash Point (eastern section) the proposals would include:
- rock scour protection, including boulders, to the foundations of the existing defences;
- concrete repairs to the existing defences.
Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “The Council understands how important this busy area of promenade is to Rhyl’s identity and economy.
“We have already engaged with the public and taken the views expressed into account when developing these plans, and we are again asking members of the community to have their say and take part in the pre-application consultation.
“The design standards for flood defences and the frequency and severity of weather events have changed since the existing defences were constructed, which means they cannot be replaced ‘like for like’.
“We have considered a wide range of options and believe this proposal would provide protection to the promenade whilst maintaining access and sea views and improving the area for residents and visitors alike.”
