Proposals that could save Blackpool’s famous Sandy beach have gone on display
The scheme would see the construction of rock headlands on the beach, starting just south of South Pier, and finishing at Cocker Square (just north of North Pier). The headlands will trap sand, keeping it on the beach and unless urgent action is taken, Blackpool’s iconic beaches could be lost forever.
Beach sand levels are lowering, exposing the clay beneath. This poses a serious risk to our coastal defences. The beach provides the first line of defence against coastal erosion and flooding during storms by breaking waves. Lower beaches result in larger waves, increasing the risk of flooding.
Beach lowering also threatens to undermine the existing sea defences which are crucial to protecting homes and businesses during storms.
Sand comes to Blackpool’s beaches from offshore sources, before travelling northto Morecambe Bay (and south to the Ribble Estuary). Blackpool’s beaches are highly dynamic with a constantly shifting series of sand bars and channels. However, a longterm trend of beach lowering has recently been identified. This trend, which has been observed worldwide, is largely a result of climate change.
17 rock headlands will be constructed on the beach. They will typically be 100 metres long and spaced approximately 150 metres apart, with a combination of straight, cranked and fishtail shapes.
Once completed, the headlands will trap and retain sand on the upper beach. To offset loss of beach sand during extreme storms, there may be a requirement to top up beach levels in the bays within the headlands from time to time with sand.
