Pembrokeshire County Council has decided to pause its proposed £40 million road realignment scheme in Newgale, a move welcomed by local Senedd Member Paul Davies. The decision follows ongoing community concerns and aims to reassess options amid changing financial circumstances.
The Newgale area has faced significant challenges from flooding, particularly during storms in early 2014 and Storm Dennis in 2020. Following the severe weather events in 2014, then-Prime Minister David Cameron visited the site to address the damage. The proposed scheme involves the development of a new inland section of road, including a bridge over Brandy Brook, approximately 2.3 kilometers inland. This would replace the coastal section of the A487, which is slated for closure due to persistent erosion and flooding risks.
Costly Plans Under Review
A public consultation was initiated last year through the consultancy firm AtkinsRéalis, ahead of a formal application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project. Estimates for the project’s cost have varied widely, with figures ranging from £20 million to as high as £60 million. To date, millions have been expended on consultation services as part of the planning process.
In contrast, an alternative proposal has been put forth by the community group STUN (Stand Up for Newgale). This plan suggests a less invasive approach, advocating for the realignment of the shingle bank 10 to 12 meters seaward. This would create an overwash barrier to capture pebbles and sea water, potentially offering a more economical solution.
During a recent meeting, the Council’s Cabinet reviewed the scheme and considered several options, including proceeding with the application, abandoning it, or placing it on hold. The preferred recommendation, backed by council members, was to pause the project for 18 to 24 months. The Cabinet acknowledged the necessity of the scheme in light of climate change but emphasized the need to reassess it given the current financial climate and the immediate risks to the A487.
Community Voices and Future Considerations
Cllr Rhys Sinnett presented the update, which included the recommendation to maintain ongoing surveys related to the scheme and explore short-term improvements. These improvements may involve adding passing places and signage to mitigate the impacts of road closures during future storms and flooding events. The Cabinet also expressed intent to explore external funding options to support the construction phase.
Paul Davies has voiced his support for the community-led STUN proposal, stating, “Coastal erosion in Newgale has been a longstanding issue, and it’s crucial that any response is both effective and proportionate.” He urged the Council to consider the alternative scheme, which he believes offers a more balanced approach between environmental protection and financial responsibility.
Davies added, “Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet is right to stop its own scheme from going ahead and I now urge the Council to consider the community’s proposal, which strikes a far better balance between environmental protection, financial responsibility, and the needs of local residents.”
As the Council pauses the project, the future of Newgale’s coastal management remains under careful review, with officials and community members advocating for solutions that address both environmental challenges and fiscal constraints.
