Verdict delayed on controversial Blackpool sea defences

A verdict has not been reached over whether controversial coastal defences will be built in Blackpool.

Councillors have deferred a major planning application for 17 groynes after the RNLI made a formal objection to building of the groynes in Apri l.

The charity previously claimed the council had ignored safety issues they had flagged, such as increased risk to tourists and rescue crews.

Blackpool Council has a statutory duty to deliver schemes to protect the coastline. It said if the proposals fall through, a new scheme would require a council contribution of £13m due to changes in government funding.

The proposed defences would see manmade rock headlands built on the beach to trap sand and prevent the loss of the town's sandy beaches. But since the application, more than 60 objections have been made.

But after the Blackpool beach management scheme was deferred by the council's planning committee last month, further discussions have been held regarding the risk assessments for the RNLI operations.

Since several multi-agency meetings and workshops have and are planned to discuss the risk assessment required by agencies for rescue and recovery operations around the groynes.

Blackpool Council's Health and Safety Teams have also assessed and updated the Council's Risk Assessments in respect of its own operations on the coastline. Subject to planning permission, work on the Bispham and Blackpool Beach Management schemes will start in early 2027.

But with government reductions in funding for new schemes announced this year, there is added pressure to ensure the current Blackpool Beach Management schemes can go ahead.

A report to Blackpool Council's Climate Change and Environmental Scrutiny Committee stated: "Consultation has taken place with business leaders all stakeholders and residents, which will continue throughout the pre-construction phase and once the schemes commence on site.

"If funding is withdrawn for these schemes there is no longer funding in the future at the current 100% level.

"New funding rules introduced by the Environment Agency in April 2026 require any new schemes to provide 10% of the capital funding for scheme over £3m in value.

"In the case of the Blackpool Beach Management schemes this would mean a contribution of £13m."

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