Blackpool Council's planning committee has deferred a decision on a controversial application to build 17 rock groynes along the coastline. The proposed coastal defenses aim to trap sand and prevent the loss of the town's beaches.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) formally objected to the plans in April, citing concerns about increased risks to tourists and rescue crews. Following this, further discussions and workshops have been held with multi-agency stakeholders to address the risk assessments required for rescue and recovery operations around the proposed groynes.
Blackpool Council's Health and Safety Teams have also updated the council's risk assessments related to its own operations on the coastline. The council maintains a statutory duty to protect the coastline. If the current proposals are not approved, a new scheme would necessitate a council contribution of £13 million due to changes in government funding.
New funding rules introduced by the Environment Agency in April 2026 require that any new schemes valued over £3 million must have a 10% capital funding contribution from the applicant. For the Blackpool Beach Management schemes, this would amount to the £13 million contribution.
Consultation with business leaders, stakeholders, and residents has taken place and will continue through the pre-construction phase and after work commences. Subject to planning permission, work on the Bispham and Blackpool Beach Management schemes is scheduled to begin in early 2027. If funding is withdrawn, there is no guarantee of future funding at the current 100% level.