New sea defences planned for north Blackpool and Bispham 

Plans have launched for new sea defence measures for north Blackpool and Bispham. 

The Blackpool Bispham Coast Protection Scheme will help protect the coastline from erosion and prevent homes being lost to the sea. 

The proposed scheme will see sixteen rock groynes built along the beach in two areas – from Cocker Square (just north of North Pier) to Gynn Square, and from Bispham to Little Bispham.

Rock groynes are used across the UK and around the world to tackle coastal erosion and strengthen flood defences. They work with natural coastal processes by trapping and retaining sand, creating a series of headlands along the shore. 

These headlands help stabilise the beach, reducing erosion and preventing existing sea defences from being undermined. 

The beach acts as the first line of defence during stormy weather. Once it drops below a certain level, sand is unable to naturally return, leaving a shingle ridden and muddy clay layer exposed.

This places existing sea defences at risk and could lead to rapid erosion of the sandy cliffs in north Blackpool and Bispham, putting homes, businesses and vital infrastructure at risk. 

Blackpool Council has been secured £61m in funding from the Environment Agency to deliver the scheme.  

A public consultation on the proposed scheme has been launched to give residents the opportunity to have their say. 

Councillor Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “We take the safety and security of our residents seriously, which is why we cannot stand by and allow people’s homes and businesses to be lost to the sea. 

“In other parts of the country, particularly on the east coast, coastal erosion has caused significant damage, with homes falling into the sea and communities left uncertain about their future. 

“We won’t let that happen to people who live in Blackpool. We are fortunate in Blackpool to have an agreed ‘hold the line’ policy with central government, and we have secured millions of pounds in funding to help prevent this from happening here.

“Rock groynes and other rocky coastal defence features are used safely around the world. 

“If you would like to learn more about the scheme, come along to one of our drop-in sessions, to speak to the designers from Jacobs UK and the contractors Balfour Beatty.” 

Residents can find out more about the scheme and complete the consultation survey by visiting www.blackpool.gov.uk/BlackpoolBispham 

Alternatively, a public exhibition will be available at Central Library from 26 May where residents can view the proposals and pick up a paper copy of the survey.

Drop-in sessions will be held at: 

• Central Library, Queen Street – Thursday 4 June, 1.00pm to 4.00pm 

• Church of St Stephen on the Cliffs, Holmfield Road – Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm 

• Cavendish Road Recreation Ground – Wednesday 24 June, 4.00pm to 7.00pm 

Residents are invited to come along, meet the project team, and learn more about the scheme.