Home / Environment / Blackpool Coastal Defence Plan Stalled Over Safety Fears
Blackpool Coastal Defence Plan Stalled Over Safety Fears
2 Nov
Summary
- Coastal defence plans for 17 groynes in Blackpool were deferred.
- The RNLI has formally objected, citing safety issues for tourists and rescuers.
- A £13m council contribution is required if current funding proposals fail.
Blackpool councillors have deferred a major planning application concerning the construction of 17 groynes. This decision follows a formal objection lodged in April by the RNLI, which previously stated that the council had overlooked crucial safety issues, including increased risks to both tourists and emergency rescue personnel. The proposed defences involve creating man-made rock headlands designed to trap sand and protect the town's sandy beaches.
Despite the council's statutory duty to protect the coastline, the project has encountered considerable opposition, with over 60 objections filed since the application was submitted. The deferral by the planning committee last month has led to further discussions focused on risk assessments for RNLI operations. Multi-agency meetings are planned to address the necessary risk assessments for rescue and recovery operations around the proposed groynes.
With work scheduled to commence in early 2027, subject to planning permission, there is increasing pressure to secure the project's future. This is exacerbated by government funding reductions announced this year. New Environment Agency funding rules, effective from April 2026, mandate a 10% capital contribution for schemes valued over £3m, meaning Blackpool would need to provide £13m. Consultation with business leaders, stakeholders, and residents is ongoing and will continue.
