Further details published on Rhyl flood defence scheme amid warning over current protection measures

Further details of proposals for flood defence work in Rhyl have been announced amid a warning over the current protection measures.

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents of the latest plans for the defences at Central Rhyl, between Splash Point and Drift Park.

The proposed scheme aims to improve coastal flood defences to protect almost 600 homes and businesses and protect the tourist economy from flooding events and coastal erosion well into the future.

The council said if no work is carried out, the current defences could fail within the next 10-15 years.

It is working with Balfour Beatty and Mott MacDonald to progress the scheme which is subject to the availability of funding and obtaining the relevant planning and environmental permissions.

If the scheme goes ahead, it would be partially funded by the Welsh Government, as part of its Coastal Risk Management Programme.

The proposals are:

• The eastern section from Splash Point to the SeaQuarium and Rhyl Events Arena to predominantly consist of rock scour protection, consisting of boulders, to the foundations of the existing defences plus concrete repairs to the existing defences.
• The western section from SeaQuarium to opposite Drift Park would consist of a new stepped revetment, raised and widened promenade, and a new seawall with improved access via steps and a ramp to the beach.

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s lead member for waste, transport and the environment, said: “The council understands how important this busy area of promenade is to Rhyl’s identity and economy.

“We have already undertaken a public consultation and have taken the views expressed into account when developing our plans.

“The standards of defences required have changed since the existing defences were constructed, which means they cannot be replaced ‘like for like’.

“We have considered a wide range of options and believe this proposal provides the required protection and ensures a promenade that maintains access and sea views and improves the area for residents and visitors alike.”

A visualisation of the scheme which gives residents a computer generated view of the proposals is available here.

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said: “The effects of climate change are clear and obvious for all to see, that’s why we’re determined to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal erosion for people and communities right across Wales.

“We’re funding additional flood protection for at least 45,000 homes this Senedd term and we’re providing £36m this year– the highest amount of capital funding in a single year – to local authorities and Natural Resources Wales to help them invest in new defences, maintenance works and natural flood management schemes.

“I’m delighted that we’re working closely with Denbighshire County Council to provide over £3 million in grant funding to support preparatory work towards the Central Rhyl coastal defence scheme.

“The scheme has been included within the Coastal Risk Management Programme subject to meeting the requirements of that programme.”

Denbighshire County Council will be undertaking a pre-planning application consultation on the plans early next year and this will offer an opportunity to provide feedback about the proposed scheme before the planning application is submitted.

The council aims to submit applications for planning consent next year and if approved, construction would start in late summer/autumn 2022 and is expected to take two and a half years.