Opportunities and challenges delivering coastal risk management projects in Wales

Robin Campbell, Associate

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Managing risk - an opportunity for transformational change

Are we set up to fail? How can we align investment?

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• Long-term funding challenges to deliver

Shoreline Management Plans;

• From 2019 Welsh Government will enable local authorities

to invest £150m over three years in FCERM assets

• Local Government Borrowing Initiative: unsupported

prudential borrowing (e.g. schools and transport) for

coastal protection

• Welsh Government recognise extra capital pressures

(75% of repayment costs over 25 years as revenue)

Welsh Government’s Coastal Programme

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• Local Authority led = variation

• 25% local contribution (no partnership funding calculator), for Local Authority to identify and secure

• Emphasis on wider environmental, social and economic benefits

• sustainable development duty - the process of improving the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales

Coastal Risk Management Programme – Implications

5Case study - Sandy Bay, Porthcawl

Sandy Bay

Western

Breakwater

Bristol Channel

N

Funfair

Relict dunes

6Driver – Historic assets of poor/unknown condition

7 Driver – Coastal risk

2014 storm

Low spot

1974 partial collapse

N

High ground

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N

Driver - 1.1m visitors (£95m) annually

Trecco Bay Holiday Park

(89% bedstock)

Sandy Bay amenity beach

only stepped access

Town centre

Marina

Wales Coast Path (potential)

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Approx. landownership

outside Council control

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Driver – 47ha adopted strategic regeneration

(1,050 homes, growth of £40m-£70m in 10 yrs)

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• Focus on baseline definition

recognised impact of breakwater

failure

• Delivery and funding influenced

solution phasing from outset Sub-

divided flood cell to de-risk delivery

and unlock funding

• Integrate wider benefits into

coastal risk management

Implications and learning

Phase 1 - £4.6M prudential borrowing. 75% Welsh Gov.

Enables initial regeneration.

Phase 2 – £10.5M.

Funded by capital windfall and developer contributions.

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Case study - Mumbles, Swansea Bay

Drivers – coastal risk, failing assets, popular amenity & regeneration

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• Landward and seaward constraints

• Manage coastal risk and transform regional amenity

• £16M capital scheme

• Prudential borrowing.

- 75% Welsh Gov.

- 25% Council supported by enabled development

Mumbles – a multi-functional solution

Widened promenade

New seawall and parapet

Revetment

Services

Protected

trees

Services

Existing failing revetment

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• Flood and coastal risk management presents an opportunity. Have we got the balance right?

- England’s partnership funding focuses on protecting homes (pre-2012) and economic / environmental impact.

- What about economic potential and local impacts?

- How to align with transport, environment enhancement and regeneration to maximise wider benefits but avoid inappropriate development? Proportionality?

• Is funding too focused on defence infrastructure? What about adaptive approaches (e.g. realignment or natural flood management)? What about Local Authority-led schemes?

• Success factors - risk-based, planning-led and community-focused appraisals; working collaboratively with partners in integrated teams.

Opportunities from adversity

Together we can build a more flood resilient society, supporting our communities