If we don't agree on rock groynes we could lose our current 100 per cent funding , says Blackpool report
“If funding is withdrawn for these schemes, there is no longer funding in the future at the current 100 per cent level.
Major planning decisions are looming over Blackpool’s coastal protection - and whether the siting of controversial rock groynes on the beaches should be given the go ahead.
Councillors deferred a verdict on a major planning application for 17 groynes in September due to RNLI concerns about the groynes hampering rescue operations. There were also more than 60 objections.
But there are major concerns that without the groynes, more sand will be irrevocably lost from Blackpool’s beaches, exposing the clay beneath, leading to major environmental worries.
And with Government reductions in funding for new schemes announced this year, there is added pressure to ensure the current schemes can go ahead.
If funding is withdrawn for the current schemes, the existing 100 per cent funding would be lost, with a replacement scheme needing a council contribution of £13 million.
Blackpool Council has a statutory duty to deliver schemes under the Coast Protection Act 1949, covering an area from that extends from Starr Gate in the south to Anchorsholme in the north.
As part of this obligation, there are four coastal protection schemes - the ongoing works at the Anchorsholme Coast Protection scheme (already granted planning permission); Little Bispham to Bispham (B1.2); Gynn to Cocker Square (B1.4), and the Blackpool Central area (B1.5).
The current situation
Increased costs have meant the Environment Agency has given permission to reduce the scope of the original Bispham Coast Protection works in the outline business case and carry out emergency repairs to the revetment, work to the access steps and groyne only works. This will be submitted for planning approval next month (November).
After the Blackpool beach management scheme was deferred by the council’s planning committee last month, further discussions have been held regarding the risk assessments for the RNLI operations.
Subsequently several multi-agency meetings and workshops have and are planned to discuss the risk assessment required by agencies for rescue and recovery operations around the groynes.
Blackpool Council’s Health and Safety Teams have also assessed and updated the Council’s Risk Assessments in respect of its own operations on the coastline. Subject to planning permission, work on the Bispham and Blackpool Beach Management schemes will start in early 2027.
What report says
A report to Blackpool Council’s Climate Change and Environmental Scrutiny Committee on November 4 states: “As with all major construction schemes the challenges faced are increased as Blackpool is an extremely popular and busy tourist resort, and the contractors and Blackpool Council will ensure the schemes are delivered safely having due regarding for the number of residents, business and tourists on the Blackpool promenade.
“Consultation has taken place with business leaders all stakeholders and residents, which will continue throughout the pre- construction phase and once the schemes commence on site.
“Regular meetings with residents are held on the Anchorsholme Coast Protection scheme and a joint project is planned to bring together residents with local schools to provide legacy boards providing information on the coast protection works and the biodiversity on the Anchorsholme area.
“If funding is withdrawn for these schemes, there is no longer funding in the future at the current 100% level.
“New funding rules introduced by the Environment Agency in April 2026 require any new schemes to provide 10% of the capital funding for scheme over £3m in value. In the case of the Blackpool Beach Management schemes this would mean a contribution of £13m.”