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
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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