The planning application for the St Annes Seawall Coast Protection Scheme has been submitted and is now available to view at the following link: https://pa.fylde.gov.uk/Planning/Display/23/0082

The current sea wall protects over 400 properties and businesses from coastal erosion and flooding.  However, it is nearly 90 years old and is approaching the end of its design life with frequent repairs required, and an estimated residual life expectancy of ten years.

The existing sea wall is in a poor state of repair, requires constant maintenance and often overtops during storms resulting in damage to the promenade, the flooding of two car parks, the swimming pool and fitness centre plant room, and flooding up to the door thresholds of the cinema, casino, amusement, and restaurant complex.

Due to the low comparative height to the beach, overtopping and flooding frequently occur which is set to increase in line with current climate change predictions.

For the new sea defence to protect St Annes over its predicted design life of 100 years, studies have confirmed that the new sea wall promenade level needs to be approximately 2m higher than the existing promenade, together with a 1m high setback wall.

The existing seawall which extends 660m around Pleasure Island, was constructed in 1935. It is one of three strategic headlands which are critical to maintaining healthy beaches and dunes and reducing the risk of coastal erosion along Fylde Council’s frontage.

A feasibility study was conducted in 2021 which extended from the Water’s Edge Café at the northern end, to the southern end of the Miniature Links Golf Course and a preferred option was developed.

In October 2021, the Environment Agency approved a £12.1m pound fund towards the project.

Following public consultation on the preferred option, a detailed design has been developed for the scheme and the planning application has now been submitted. It is available to view on the Council’s website at the following link: https://pa.fylde.gov.uk/Planning/Display/23/0082

To comment on the application, please email planning@fylde.gov.uk quoting the 23/0082 reference in the subject by 12 May 2023.

If planning permission is granted for the scheme, details regarding the estimated start and completion dates for the works will be shared and published on the Council’s website.

 

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