Anchorsholme Coast Protection Scheme

Rock groynes

Five Y-shaped rock groynes will be constructed on the beach at Anchorsholme. To allow access for pedestrians and authorised vehicles, a series of ramps will be built into the groynes.

Rock revetment

A rock revetment structure will be constructed on top of the existing sloped concrete defence structure. The existing beach access steps and ramps will be modified to allow access through the rock revetment.

Construction compound

Construction compounds will be established at the south end of the scheme (adjacent to Little Bispham tram station) to serve the works and allow materials/equipment access onto the beach.

Why is the rock revetment needed?

The existing coastal defences, which opened in 2017, have not performed as the designers expected. In a localised area, movement and damage to the revetment structure has occurred.

To address this, large rocks will be added to the existing revetment. This will add weight to stabilise the structure and protect it from further damage.

The rock revetment will also absorb wave energy more effectively than the existing smooth concrete slope, providing better flood protection. In 2018 (after the existing defences were designed and built), updated climate change projections for the UK were published indicating that future sea levels will rise more than previously predicted.

Though the existing sea wall height does not need to rise, action is needed to address the growing flood risk. Rising sea levels and larger waves could breach the existing defences without additional measures. 

Why are the groynes needed?

A healthy beach is the first line of defence against coastal flooding and erosion. Although Blackpool's beach levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year, there is a long-term trend of erosion and beach lowering.

The underlying clay on Anchorsholme beach has at times become exposed. When this erodes the beach is lost permanently. Intervention is needed to stabilise the beach and maintain its protective function. 

Rock groynes will trap sand and raise beach levels. This will help absorb some wave energy and reduce the size of the waves that reach the revetment during storms, lowering the risk of flooding. 

A higher and more stable beach will also enhance public use and the addition of rocks will create habitats, boosting biodiversity. 

Rock groynes have been effective along the coast at Rossall to the north. There are also plans to implement them in the southern areas of Blackpool.

Diagram of the rock revetment

Rossall Coastal Defence Scheme

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Once the work is complete, new steps will allow access to the beach. The steps will be built in the same location as the existing beach access steps. The top section of the current steps from the promenade will remain intact. 

Access along the beach will continue via concrete ramps built near the start of each groyne. The new steps and ramps will be designed to extend below beach level to account for natural beach variations. 

During the construction, the beach will be a busy site with the operation of large equipment and rocks temporarily stored ahead of final placement. To ensure everyone's safety, we will ask the public to stay clear of the working area.

We will temporarily close the existing beach access steps to enable construction of the new steps and manage safety between the public and machines operating on the beach. The works will be planned to ensure that some of the steps remain open, allowing people to exit the beach in case of an emergency.

Examples of similar beach access structures at Cleveleys (left) and Rossall (right)

Beach access visualisations

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Construction is likely to start in summer 2025 subject to the required planning permission and marine licences being obtained. The work is expected to continue until 2027.

Normal working hours will be Monday to Friday between 7.00am and 7.00pm. Work on the beach will vary daily within these hours to align with tide times.

Construction compounds will be established adjacent to Little Bispham tram station, which is to the south of the working area. As well as using the former parking/compound area to the north of Princes Way, an additional area to the south of the road, between the tramway and cliff slope, will also be required.

Princes Way will remain open throughout the works. However, a small section of the promenade will be closed to allow construction machinery and deliveries to access the existing slipway and beach. Clear pedestrian diversion routes will be established to guide people safely past the compounds and beach access point.

The council is working closely with the contractors Balfour Beatty to minimise disruption. Balfour Beatty is a member of the Considerate Constructors scheme, which requires high standards to be met and where possible exceeded.

Before construction starts, a construction environmental management plan will be produced. This plan will contain provisions to ensure that environmental concerns such as noise, vibration, dust and pollution risks are effectively managed.

Construction compounds

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The planning application has been submitted by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Blackpool Council. It will now be considered by the council’s planning department.

As part of the decision-making process, you can now view the proposals and submit comments. You can do this through our online planning system. The application reference is 25/0053. 

Comments can also be made by email to planning@blackpool.gov.uk or by post to Planning department, PO Box 17, Corporation Street, Blackpool FY1 1LZ.

Please include your name, address and the application reference, 25/0053.

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