Nearly 60 objections lodged against rock groynes plan hailed as saviour of Blackpool's golden sands

A plan to install 17 rock groynes on the southern end of Blackpool’s beach has been hailed as the saviour of its famous golden sands – but almost 60 people and the RNLI are objecting.

And councillors on Blackpool’s planning committee are set to make a decision on this controversial multi-million pound scheme when it comes up for determination next week.

The heavy rock groynes are seen by many as the only workable solution to halt the worrying loss of the resort’s precious golden sands, a habitat which is at risk of being eroded away forever.

Apart from the importance as a tourist attraction and as a natural marine habitat, the beach sand provides vital protection to the shoreline from the ravages of the sea at a time of climate change.

But opponents say the solid rock structures are not safe for children or even adults who face the risk of being trapped in the face of oncoming tides.

Objectors to scheme

Among the 56 people who have lodged objections are councillors Gerard Walsh, Julie Sloman and Jon Morgan.

Additionally, the RNLI is objecting because it says the rocks are in danger of impeding its vital rescue work.On Tuesday September 1, the planning committee will consider the application for coastal defence works, comprising of installation of rock groynes and associated works including cross-over ramps, revetment tie-in structures, temporary construction compounds and periodic beach recharge on the upper beach, provision of temporary diversions and storage of waste prior to removal.

A report by the planning officer states: “Blackpool Council -the applicant – has been allocated funding from the Environment Agency to construct new rock groynes on the beach which would trap sand and stabilise the beach.

“The design of the scheme has been informed by knowledge gained by the applicant and their consultants in constructing neighbouring coastal defence/management schemes.

“The application proposes to construct 17 new rock groynes at the site (structures built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sand).

“Each groyne would be of a slightly different design and, on average, each would extend approximately 100m from the existing sea wall.

“The groynes would be broadly in 3 different shapes – some would be Y-shaped, some would be straight and some would be dog-legged/sock shaped.

“The scheme would reduce the risk of coastal erosion and flooding by helping to stabilise the existing revetment, reduce overtopping from the sea and stabilise and retain the upper beach.

“The scheme is anticipated to be constructed by Balfour Beatty over a 31-month duration between Autumn 2026 and June 2029.”

Works compounds

Four temporary site compounds are proposed, which would be removed on completion of the scheme: Compound 1 - on the Promenade, west of the Metropole Hotel, partially on the Lower Walk and partially on the Upper Walk. This would be used for the siting of offices and welfare cabins, along with security fencing and any services that may be required.

Compound 2 - on the recently cleared development site on Chapel Street, which formerly contained the law courts and police station. This compound would require the creation of an area of hard-standing for use by HGVs and for concrete deliveries, materials storage, car parking and welfare facilities.

Compound 3 - on the Promenade, south of Central Pier. This would be used for the storage of plant and materials along with welfare offices.

Compound 4 - on the Promenade, south of South Pier. This would be used for the storage of plant and materials along with welfare offices. Temporary compounds may be created along the Promenade for periods of up to one month.

The planning committee is being recommended to support the proposal and delegate approval to the Head of Development Management, subject to confirmation that the scheme would not result in any likely significant effects in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.