Concerns raised again as work to start on Anchorsholme sea wall compound

There’s some good news for the coastal protection of Anchorsholme – but not such good news for a group of residents in nearby Little Bispham.

The Anchorsholme Coast Protection Scheme will begin its early stages on January 26, starting with the establishment of construction compounds.

Work on the beach and the revetment is scheduled to begin May 2026 for a scheme will protect over 5,000 properties from coastal erosion and flooding, ensuring that properties remain safeguarded for years to come.

However, for residents who live at the Wilvere Court apartments and nearby neighbours, the start of the works compound is not something they are looking forward to.

The site earmarked for the compound, a seafront green space just to the south of Little Bispham tram stop, is just across the road off Queens Premade, and will block their seafront view.

Not only that, but they fear the noise, dust and light pollution will have an adverse effect on their quality of life.

Backed by Noobreck councillor Julie Sloman, they challenged a planning application submitted on behalf of developer Balfour Beatty last year, but the Blackpool Planning Committee approved plans for the compound, arguing it had greater public need.

With the work finally about to start on the works compound next week, Cllr Sloman said: “Whilst we are all in agreement the work is necessary, I am aware that some residents aren’t particularly enamoured with the designs for the actual beach aspects, but our main concerns are about the siting and projected duration of the new compound.

“Along with residents, I am far from reassured that the new compound is going to be there for the suggested two years or so.

“The residents on Queens Promenade are faced with the existing compound remaining there for a further long period, and that is well into its 12th year so you can understand our scepticism.

“I just feel we need to be honest with people. The next phase, some years hence, that will take us from Little Bispham to Gynn Square is going to need a compound and physically there isn’t anywhere for it to go as the promenade tapers into the site for the illumination tableaus.

“There is no scope from the developers for any compensation, or any mechanism for compensation via the council for any of the properties that are being blighted

“We have to accept the inevitable, and my admiration and support for the residents and other concerned parties who have put up an admirable opposition to the siting of the compound remains, and I offer them my unequivocal support going forward..”

The coastal defence work will see five rock groynes being constructed on the beach at Anchorsholme, and a rock revetment will be installed on top of the existing sloped seawall.

The rock groynes will help address the ongoing lowering of sand levels on the beach. At times, this has led to the underlying clay becoming exposed. Once this erodes, the beach is lost forever.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “This scheme is vital for protecting the community from flooding and for preserving the beach at Anchorsholme for future generations.

“The project team has worked with the local community to develop a design for the hoardings facing people’s properties.

“While we understand the works will cause some inconvenience to nearby residents, if this work does not happen, the community is at direct risk from coastal flooding.”