Wyre Borough Council make decision on controversial Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme
The controversial application was decided last week.
Controversial plans for a new coastal defence scheme at Rossall Beach have been approved by Wyre Borough Council.
The application was first submitted to the council in March 2026 and was approved by a planning committee on Friday.
Works will now be set in motion to construct several forms of coastal defence, including six rock groynes, rock toes, ramped access to the beach and the widening of the promenade.
Around 50.6 hectares will be covered by the scheme, which runs alongside Promenade South, North Promenade and Rossall Promenade, meaning major local landmarks including Cleveleys Skatepark, Jubilee Gardens, Mary’s Shell and Rossall School will all benefit from added protection.
The plans are part of a wider attempt to protect the Fylde coast from flooding and erosion, with proposals for 17 rock groynes and beach recharge works in Bispham meeting fierce opposition after concerns were raised about the safety of the rock features.
Blackpool RNLI objected to the Bispham proposals last week, claiming that the rock defences were dangerous for tourists and beachgoers, and that groynes would provide ‘considerable challenges for lifeboat crews and others, putting both crews and the lifeboats at risk.’
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Blackpool Council defended their plans, arguing the ‘construction of rock groynes on the beach is vital for our sea defences. They are the most effective way to prevent coastal erosion.’
No objections were made by any public body to the Rossall Beach proposals, and the RNLI have not commented on the plans.
Work will now be set in motion for the coastal defence scheme, with progress expected to proceed rapidly. Stipulations in the planning approval state that construction must only be carried out from 7am-7pm Monday to Friday, unless permission is granted otherwise.