Pembrokeshire County Council’s flood alleviation scheme at Little Haven has been shortlisted for an award by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
The recently completed works were designed to defend the village against a one in a 100-year flood event.
Within two months of completion the scheme was put to the test by Hurricane Ophelia and Storm Brian. It passed with flying colours.
The scheme was developed through exhaustive public engagement over an 11-year period.
Many options were considered from new higher concrete sea walls, to conventional rock armour revetments to offshore breakwaters, and more innovative solutions, such as glass walls and tilting wave walls.
Whilst the general view at several public meetings was that the village did not want any intervention, some residents were getting flooded and wanted action. Ultimately, the community came to the view that a shingle bank was an acceptable compromise, which resulted in the constructed scheme.
Community and public amenity has been a key consideration for the project. The large shingle berm provides beach sunbathing and boat storage at high tide whilst the widened slipway provides safer access to the beach for boat trollies.
The results will be announced at an awards ceremony in Cardiff in June.
The County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, Phil Baker, said:
“I am delighted that the Pembrokeshire County Council team which worked on this project has been nominated.
“To be nominated for an ICE. award recognises the complex nature of any construction work in a coastal environment, I wish them luck.”
