Major beach defence application warns about loss of golden sands

A planning application for a multi‑million‑pound sea defence project in Blackpool has been lodged – with a warning the town could lose its famous sand without urgent action.

The proposed Blackpool Beach Management scheme is a £57m investment in the town’s coastal defences, which aims to protect homes and businesses from flooding and preserve the resort’s golden sandy beaches for future generations.

The application seeks planning permission for the installation of 17 groynes, with associated structures and periodic beach recharge works.

And while it is acknowledged that this may change the look and character of the beaches, the applicants warn that unless urgent action is taken, they could be lost forever.

Climate change is causing beach sand levels to lower, which could expose the clay beneath and pose a serious risk to existing sea defences. This is already happening in Anchorsholme, Blackpool’s northern‑most coastline, where work recently began on another sea defence project.

The beach provides the first line of defence against coastal erosion and flooding during storms by breaking the force of the waves.

The Blackpool Beach Management scheme proposals include the construction of 17 rock headlands on the beach in an area stretching from just south of South Pier to Cocker Square, just north of North Pier. Blackpool Council has been awarded funding for the scheme from the Environment Agency.

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Deputy Leader and cabinet member for climate change, said: “This scheme is essential for securing Blackpool’s future as both a great place to live and a much‑loved seaside destination.

“If we don’t act now, we risk losing our beach forever and increasing the threat of flooding to our communities.

“This scheme will safeguard homes and businesses while protecting our coastline for generations to come.”

A Planning and Design Statement on behalf of the application states: “The introduction of new permanent structures would inevitably alter the character of the beach, thereby affecting some local views of the beach, and impacting upon the setting of the Extended Town Centre Conservation Area, the North Promenade Conservation Area and associated listed buildings.

“However, this harm is considered to be substantially outweighed by the demonstrable public benefits of the scheme.”

The planning application can be viewed on the planning portal at www.blackpool.gov.uk/planningsearch using the reference 26/0084.