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Tywyn Coastal DefenceScheme

Design and Access Statement

5054460/Tywyn Design And Access Statement 090916rev1.doc

Tywyn Coastal Defence Scheme


September 2009 Notice This report was produced by Atkins Limited for Cyngor Gwynedd Council for the specific purpose of supporting the planning application for a coastal improvement scheme at Tywyn.

This report may not be used by any person other than Cyngor Gwynedd Council without Cyngor Gwynedd Council express permission. In any event, Atkins accepts no liability for any costs, liabilities or losses arising as a result of the use of or reliance upon the contents of this report by any person other than Cyngor Gwynedd Council.

Atkins Limited

Document History

JOB NUMBER: 5081214 DOCUMENT REF: Tywyn Design And Access Statement 090915 Rev 3.doc

For Submission NC RM AJ DF 16/09/09

Revision Purpose Description Originated Checked Reviewed Authorised Date


5054460/Tywyn Design And Access Statement 090916rev1.doc 3

Contents Section Page 1. Introduction 4 1.1 Outline 4 1.2 Aim 5 1.3 Background 5 1.4 Purpose of the Development 5 2. Context of the Development 6 2.1 Physical Context 6 2.2 Social and Economic Context 7 2.3 Policy Context 8 3. Consultation 9 3.1 Introduction 9 3.2 Previous Consultation 9 3.3 Consultation on the Current Scheme (Headland Breakwater 2009 Scheme) 10 3.4 Town Council Meeting 12 3.5 Public Exhibition 12 4. The Design 14 4.1 Scheme Evolution 14 4.2 Design Details 14 5. Character 16 5.1 Amount 16 5.2 Layout 16 5.3 Scale 16 5.4 Appearance 16 5.5 Landscaping 18 6. Access and Community Safety 19 6.1 Road Access to the Site 19 6.2 Parking Facilities 19 6.3 Access within the Site 19 7. Conclusions 21 Appendices Appendix A 22 A.1 Location Plan 22 A.2 2005 Scheme and 2009 Scheme Layouts 23



1. Introduction 1.1 Outline

This Design and Access Statement accompanies the application for full planning permission to implement a coastal improvement scheme at Tywyn, Gwynedd. The statement has been prepared by Atkins, on behalf of Cyngor Gwynedd Council (CGC). Other supporting documentation to the application includes:

• Planning Application Forms;

• Planning Application Drawings;

• Flood Consequences Assessment

• Environmental Statement.

The submission of Design and Access Statements to accompany planning applications for certain types of development is a requirement imposed by Article 4D of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995 as inserted by The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment)(Wales) Order 2009. Design and Access Statements are an opportunity for developers to show how good design has been incorporated into a proposed development.

CGC propose to undertake a coastal improvement scheme in Tywyn. The location of the scheme is shown on Figure 1 in Appendix A.1. The scheme aims to reduce the amount of water overtopping the seawall at Warwick Place and improve the amenity value of the beach, which is important to the local community, visitors and tourists.

The scheme comprises several structural elements:

• A rock armour breakwater at Warwick Place, with beach nourishment (addition of new beach material)

• A rock groyne near Neptune Road

• A rock groyne at Pier Road

• A rock revetment at Bryn-y-mor

• Replacement of the groyne field

• Reconstruction or repair of the slipways and access steps, including the concrete steps along the length of the promenade and the rock revetment near the Warwick Place slipway

• Minor refurbishment of the promenade including handrailing and viewing platform

The proposed general arrangement of the scheme and a previous scheme proposed in 2005 is shown on Figure 2. More detailed plans and section drawings showing each of the scheme elements are provided in Figures 3 -8 in the Environmental Statement.

In many respects the proposed scheme is an engineering operation which would normally be exempt from the requirement to prepare a Design and Access Statement. However as one of the objectives of the scheme is to improve leisure access to and along the beach a Design and Access Statement has been prepared.

The scope of the Design and Access Statement is consistent with Appendix A3.10 of Technical Advice Note 12: Design which states that Design and Access Statements should be proportionate in length and complexity to the type and scale of development. Accordingly the statement focuses on the ways in which the scheme seeks to achieve inclusive access. As the scheme largely consists of engineering to improve flood defences/amenity and, in some cases, involves



refurbishment of existing structures, the statement does not cover ‘Environmental Sustainability’ or ‘Sustainable Means of Travel’.

1.2 Aim Aspects relating to design and access are to be recorded separately in the Statement. The aim of the Statement is to demonstrate that integrated design principles and access considerations have been included in the design and engineering processes behind the development.

In line with guidance, this statement is divided into the following chapters:

• Introduction;

• Context of the Development;

• Consultation;

• The Design of the scheme;

• Character;

• Access;

• Conclusion.

1.3 Background The Tywyn coastal frontage has suffered several significant damaging events, experiencing storm damage in nearly every decade since the 1930s and emergency works have been required on numerous occasions. Over the last 100 years, the height and width of the beach has also receded.

Falling beach levels fronting the sea defences are exposing the hinterland developments to increased risk of tidal flooding. The land behind the sea wall is relatively flat, meaning that overtopping sea water is able to flow inland relatively freely. Falling beach levels mean that the sea walls are becoming more susceptible to undermining and collapse during storm events.

The United Kingdom Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) and Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) predict an increase in storm severity and frequency in coming years. Continued recession of the beach is increasing the risk of damage to the sea wall and the risk from future flooding events, particularly in the light of climate change impacts.

Studies confirm that the Bryn-y-mor and Warwick Place to Pier Road sections of the Tywyn Frontage are the most vulnerable to flooding and erosion in the short and long terms and are, therefore, priority areas for management.

Previous studies have estimated the residual life of the defences is from two to five years.

1.4 Purpose of the Development The scheme has a number of inter-connected aims relating to both the management of impacts from coastal flooding and erosion, and the amenity value of the beach and promenade. The aims of the scheme are to:

• Reduce the amount of water overtopping the seawall at Warwick Place

• Maintain access to the beach

• Improve the amenity value of the beach

• Ensure that the scheme is safe and suitable for public access

• Ensure that the scheme is environmentally acceptable and does not unduly impact on adjacent areas, designated conservation sites, Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats and species and landscape

• Reduce the rate of decrease in beach level.



2. Context of the Development 2.1 Physical Context 2.1.1 The Location

The application site is located within the administrative area of Cyngor Gwynedd Council.

Tywyn, is a small seaside town on the west coast of Wales in Cardigan Bay between the Afon Dysynni (to the North) and the Afon Dyfi (to the South), within the county of Gwynedd (Figure 1 in Appendix A). It has a population of 3,266 (NSO, 2009).

The town is low-lying and comprises a mix of mostly residential and tourism developments (static caravans), along with small shops, cafes and pubs/restaurants.

The coast to the south of the Tywyn frontage (Penllyn) is fronted by sand dunes, which are regularly artificially recharged with sand by CGC. Behind the dunes, the land is low lying. The Aberdyfi Golf Course runs along the coast, between Tywyn beach and the A493. This stretch of coast is within the Dyfi Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Adjacent land to the North is also low lying and used mainly for agriculture. Between the Afon Dysynni and Tywyn, the Cambrian Coast railway runs along the coast, before heading inland, through the town. Where the railway line is closest to the shoreline, there are rock revetment defences, which are managed and maintained by Network Rail. These defences have been upgraded with more rock within the last 12 months. Behind the railway line, the land is low lying much of the area is within the Broadwater SSSI. There is a small waste water treatment works approx. 350m North of the Tywyn promenade.

The hinterland is dominated by hills, which are part of the Snowdonia National Park (SNP), which encircles the town and includes foreshore areas to the North and South. Tywyn, however, is not within the SNP.

2.1.2 The Site

The Tywyn coastal frontage is 1.8km long, comprising a 465m Victorian promenade, with 360m of additional walkway to the South and a 975m promenade to the North. The Victorian Promenade was built in 1890, followed later by a promenade to the North of Sandilands Road, which was destroyed by a storm in about 1935. The remainder of Tywyn’s frontage has developed in an ad-hoc fashion. The first modern phase was built in 1966 between Pier Road and Sandilands Road - half was a formal concrete sea wall and the remainder was rock armour. The area between Warwick Place and Neptune Road was constructed in 1967/69. The area from Sandilands Road North was built in 1977. The frontage was completed to its current state in the mid 1980s when the rock armour to the North of Pier Road was encased in concrete to create a formal sea wall.

The existing defences were constructed and altered in stages resulting in the different periods of development and variable states of repair that make up the coastal defences. Tywyn’s beach, which lost its Blue Flag status this year, is a mixture of sand and shingle/gravel divided by now dilapidated timber groynes. Warwick Place slipway and concrete steps at regular intervals allow access to the beach, however several of the bays between the groynes are fenced off due to the poor condition of the enclosing groynes and subsequent degradation of the beach.

The existing groynes running the length of the beach and extending between 60 m and 120 m seaward, have compartmentalised the beach and present an obstruction to easy access along the beach, particularly the upper areas. Many of the groynes are passable by stepping over them. However, some of them, particularly towards the Northern end are much higher in relation to existing beach levels (approximately up to 2m above the beach) and can only be passed safely by walking around them. The groynes are also in a state of disrepair, with broken / missing timber planks.



The face of the seawall and its concrete steps are also degraded, with cracks and voids visible and the underlying steel reinforcement exposed in places. Many of the access steps from the promenade down onto the beach are in a similar state.

2.2 Social and Economic Context The seafront at Tywyn provides a significant, free resource for leisure and is a popular destination for both local residents and tourists who enjoy using the beach, water and promenade.

The town offers a variety of accommodation, from hotels and B&Bs to self catering cottages, caravans and camp/caravan sites. The area offers a variety of activities and tourist attractions, including walking, sailing and water sports (e.g. surfing and fishing), golf, bird watching, general amenity of the beach, historic and archaeological sites, the steam railway and local farm-based tourist activities such as archery, shooting and quad biking. The beach is used all year round and a lifeguard operates during the bathing season which is between May and September.

The town is also in close proximity to Snowdonia National Park

2.2.1 Beach Recreation

Visitors like to use the shelter of the groynes as windbreaks while sitting on the beach and the concrete steps running the length of the promenade seawall provide seating areas.

2.2.2 Water Recreation

Tywyn is a designated bathing beach (meaning that it meets mandatory standards set out under the EC Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC)).

There are four slipways along the frontage which are used for the launching of boats. The Warwick Place slipway is the largest of the slipways and most frequently used. The other slipways are situated at the Northern end of the frontage at Bryn-y-mor (at groyne 28), Sandilands Road, Pier Road (at groyne 17) and Neptune Road (between groynes 02 and 03). All four slipways are in a state of disrepair, particularly the Warwick Place slipway.

Sea angling does occasionally take place along the Tywyn foreshore area.

2.2.3 Parking Facilities

Car parking facilities at the seafront are affected by wave overtopping and deposition of sand and shingle during storms, particularly throughout the winter months.

2.2.4 Navigation

Very little vessel activity takes place offshore of the Tywyn frontage. This is due to the exposed nature of the shoreline, making it difficult to launch boats from the slipways particularly when the tide is in.

There are no major fishing ports situated close to Tywyn, although Aberdyfi is regarded as a small coastal fishing port.

The Aberdyfi and Borth Lifeboat Stations also operate offshore in the area around Tywyn.



2.3 Policy Context The Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan (UDP) was adopted in 2009. The UDP policies identified below are relevant to the design of and access to the scheme.

Policy D12 states that proposals to improve the standard of existing tourism facilities will be approved, provided:

• that the scale, type and character of the proposed development is appropriate for its urban/rural setting;

• that the proposed development is of high quality in terms of design, layout and appearance;

• that the site is genuinely accessible to a variety of modes of transport which enables people to reach the site without having to use the private car.

Policy B13 - protecting the open coastline states:

Outside the Heritage Coast, only proposals that need to be located on or in close proximity to the coast will be approved provided that they do not have an unacceptable impact on the open character or public access due to its location, scale, form, appearance, or materials.

As explained in Chapters 4, 5 and 6 of this statement the scheme is appropriate for its setting in terms of scale, layout, appearance and materials and will encourage people to access the promenade and the beach without having to use the private car. The scheme is therefore consistent with planning policies covering design and access issues.



3. Consultation 3.1 Introduction

The development of the scheme’s design has taken place over a number of years, with the input of a range of organisations, consultants and CGC officers. This section briefly outlines the consultation and stakeholder engagement during this period. It also sets out in more detail the consultations that took place during development of schemes which are termed the 2005 Scheme and the 2009 Scheme. Consultations and comments received during the 2005 Scheme are directly relevant to the 2009 Scheme, as it forms the basic outline from which the 2009 Scheme evolved.

3.2 Previous Consultation The requirement to upgrade the sea defences and improve the amenity value of the beach and promenade was identified as long ago as 1996. Since this time several schemes have been identified and consulted on. A summary of these schemes and consultation are set out below.

Scheme 1 (Fish Tail Groynes)

Previously a strategic scheme for the whole frontage was submitted to the then Welsh Office for approval. The scheme comprised a series of seven fishtail breakwaters with a mix of sand and shingle/pebble being used for beach nourishment. This approach was not approved by the Welsh Office, which raised technical and financial concerns with respect to the design and cost-benefit analysis. This resulted in the scheme not being pursued.

During its design development Scheme 1 (Fish Tail Groynes) was presented to the public and received widespread local support.

Scheme 2

A revised scheme involving the use of rock-armour revetments and rock groynes was presented at a public exhibition in August 2001 attended by over 60 residents. There was considerable local opposition to this scheme because the stepped revetment on the existing defences, which would be lost under the scheme, is seen as an important amenity feature by the local community.

Scheme 3 (the 2005 Scheme)

Between October 2003 and January 2004, the following organisations were contacted to collect information, highlight issues and obtain views:

• WAG Environment Protection Division (Peter Jones, Kerry Keirle)

• Tywyn Town Council (Elected Members and Clerk)

• Environment Agency Wales (Phil Jones)

• Countryside Council for Wales (Rod Jones, Fiona Evans)

• Tywyn and Aberdyfi Coast Protection Group (Mike Stevens, David Inman, Keith Lycett)

• H.R. Wallingford (Tom Coates)

• Welsh European Funding Office (Neil Howard)

• Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales (Lisa Francis)

• CGC Environment Directive – Biodiversity, Transport, Environmental Health, Planning)

• Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA)

Two public meetings were also held in Tywyn in December 2003 and January 2004. In January 2004, ABPmer and eftec presented the findings of their reviews and researches. In March 2004, ABPmer presented the Headland Breakwater 2005 Scheme, which was well-received.



Key comments and issues raised during consultation during the development of the 2005 Scheme were as follows.

• Maintaining access to the existing beach

• Maintaining existing slipways

• Preserving existing structures wherever possible

• Opportunities for pursuing leisure activities

• Any beach nourishment should be sand rather than shingle, cobbles or rock

Following the extensive consultation identified above Scheme 3 (Headland Breakwater 2005 Scheme) was developed over a period of around two years, during which time several phases of consultation with different stakeholders (statutory and non-statutory) took place as part of both the scheme development and the EIA process.

ABPmer, with eftec (Economics for the Environment Consultancy Ltd), reviewed previous scheme proposals, the defence requirements for the sea front and the importance of the beach and sea front to the local community and economy. ABPmer undertook consultations with local people, the Tywyn and Aberdyfi Coast Protection Group and previous researchers into the town’s coastal defence regime.

All the applications required for constructing the scheme were submitted and granted, including planning permission, however, funding was not able to be secured.

3.3 Consultation on the Current Scheme (Headland Breakwater 2009 Scheme) In the summer of 2008, Atkins was commissioned by CGC to complete an asset assessment exercise of the current defences and, review and refine the 2005 Scheme proposed by ABPmer and assist CGC in their application for EU Convergence Funding.

CGC were successful in their funding application and Atkins was commissioned to take forward the design.

Since February 2009 a number of consultations have been carried out with statutory and non-statutory organisations to define the scope of and prepare an Environmental Statement for the 2009 Scheme. During this time, the design of the scheme has been revised and refined, based on discussions with CGC Coast Protection Unit and as a result of analysis of the impact of the scheme on the coast of Tywyn and coastal processes in the area. ABPmer was also consulted to clarify the results of computer based and physical modelling that was undertaken during the development of the 2005 Scheme.

The CGC Coast Protection Unit has informed local stakeholders and Elected Members of the 2009 Scheme and has maintained close liaison with the Welsh Assembly Government Environment Protection Department and Welsh Assembly Government Funding Office (WEFO).

A meeting was held with a number of key stakeholders on 8 April 2009 to present the initial 2009 Scheme design and discuss possible impacts and highlight any issues. Table 3.1 indicates those present at the meeting.

Table 3.1 Consultees Present at Initial Scheme Presentation Meeting, 8 April 2009

Name Organisation Issues raised

Aneurin Parry CGC - Planning Dept. Planning permission granted in July 2005 – need to begin works within 5 years. Footprint of scheme to remain within that of existing permission and not be significantly different to granted scheme



Dafydd Roberts Snowdonia National Park Authority – Senior Ecologist

Landscape / visual impacts from the Park

Rod Jones Countryside Council for Wales – Senior Coastal Scientist

Coastal processes – longshore drift. Long term issues, climate change

Dave Smith Countryside Council for Wales – Conservation Officer

Piddock survey was undertaken for 2005 Scheme – need to re-survey

3.3.1 Review of 2005 Scheme Scoping and ES

The 2009 Scheme remains entirely within the footprint of the 2005 Scheme. As such, the starting point for the 2009 Scheme consultation process was to review ABPmer’s Scoping Report and Environmental Statement, and the consultation responses collected as part of the 2005 Scheme EIA process. Issues identified in the Scoping Report / Environmental Statement, or raised by consultees during the 2005 Scheme Scoping and Environmental Statement production process included:

• Landscape impacts – visual effects of the scheme, including materials used and finish

• Interaction with other proposals in the area

• Construction methods – need to have agreed Method Statement prior to works starting

Issues considered in less detail in the 2005 Scheme Environmental Statement were:

• Coastal defences – scheme considered to have no adverse effects on coastal protection

• Navigation – brief details of vessel numbers and access arrangements

• Fisheries – not addressed in detail – additional consultation with angling groups

• Road traffic, noise & air quality – not considered in detail due to decision to deliver material by sea

Road traffic issues were identified as an element to be included in more detail in this Environmental Statement, given that it was likely that a significant proportion of the construction materials would be delivered by road. Consultees were asked for their opinion on the inclusion of the above issues and the scope of the ES. No responses to this (6 May 2009 e-mail) were received.

3.3.2 Summary of Consultation

Consultation and the development of the scheme itself and this ES has been iterative, with various discussions, e-mail correspondence and meetings taking place at different stages of the process.

3.3.3 Consultation Responses

The consultation responses received and the issues they raise are summarised below.

Countryside Council for Wales (CCW)

A number of key issues / concerns had been raised by CCW during the 2005 Scheme consultation process, particularly in relation to the coastal processes and sediment transport issues. As a result, close consultation with CCW was undertaken, including involving the Senior Coastal Scientist in discussions to understand the needs of the modelling to be undertaken. A summary of the issues raised by CCW during meetings is:

• Clear definition of what the scheme entails and aims regarding amenity uses



• Understand the extent to which the scheme will trap sediment, depriving adjacent areas, including defence assets on the adjacent Morfa Gwyllt shoreline (managed by Network Rail)

• Sea level rise / climate change – adaptability of the scheme to future changes in policy

• Interaction with planned strategies / works to adjacent stretches of coast – those managed by EAW and Network Rail (NR)

Environment Agency Wales (EAW)

EAW were consulted through their Customer Contact Service. The Service uses a single point of contact, which then distributes information to the relevant areas within the EAW and collates responses. The main issues / comments raised were:

• Development and flood risk – formal EAW consent is not required. EAW welcome works that would reduce the risk from overtopping in the vicinity of Marine Parade

• Assets – the policy at Penllyn differs from the SMP1 stated policy, in agreement with CCW. Aberdyfi Golf Club / CGC have recharged sand at the frontage along the golf club. The Dyffryn Gwyn outfall chamber was re-built in 2006

• Biodiversity – in-combination effects should be considered with the possible scheme at Borth. Not aware of other schemes. Sediment modelling to assess whether the scheme will improve beach nourishment or have negative effects on the Dyfi / Ynys Las dunes

• Water Quality – works should be carried out outside of the Bathing Waters season to safeguard the Bathing Water quality

Further consultation by phone and e-mail with EAW discussed the risks associated with the construction methodology, with respect to undertaking works during the Bathing Waters season. CGC accepts these risks and will work with the contractor and EAW to ensure all possible mitigation methods are undertaken.

Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA)

The Policy Section of SNPA had no comments on the draft Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA).

3.4 Town Council Meeting On Wednesday 9 September the scheme was presented to Tywyn Town Council and Local Councillors. At the meeting the points raised by members of the Council included:

• The scheme should be implemented as soon as possible;

• Concern about the disruption to businesses;

• Concern about loss of access to the beach during the construction phase;

• Queries about the means of delivering building materials to the site;

• The need for a communication strategy during the construction of the scheme.

3.5 Public Exhibition Drawings of the scheme were displayed at Ystafell Fawr, Neptune Road, Tywyn on Thursday 10 September and Friday 11 September 2009 between 9:15am and 7:30pm. A member of Gwynedd Council staff was on hand between 3pm and 6pm on both days to answer any questions. Forms were provided giving people the opportunity to make written comments on the scheme. Notice of the exhibition was published in the Cambrian Times.



To date the feedback on the scheme following the exhibition is as follows:

• One consultee felt that the scheme is not needed because the promenade wall was adequate and the coast in this part of Wales is not in danger;

• Six consultees expressed support for the coastal defence scheme expressing the urgent need for work to be carried out before a major storm causes further damage to the sea wall and to properties;

• One consultee thought the scheme was a fair idea but that much more was needed to solve the problems;

• Beach access at the end of Corbetts Avenue should be retained.



4. The Design 4.1 Scheme Evolution

As explained in Chapter 3 over the last 15 years, several schemes have been proposed and developed, although none have been constructed.

Multi-Criteria Analysis of the 2009 Scheme has also been carried out to ensure the best use of the EU Convergence Funding. The analysis identified the most vulnerable sections of the Tywyn seafront by taking account of social, economic and environmental issues, therefore prioritising areas for coastal improvement for this financial year.

This scheme has been designed to be capable of meeting both the flood and coastal defence requirements as well as addressing the needs of the local community and visitors to the area.

4.2 Design Details The scheme comprises a number of elements, which when taken together aim to meet the objectives of the whole scheme. Detailed Plans and cross section drawings of each of the scheme elements are provided in Figures 3-8 in the Environmental Statement.

4.2.1 Warwick Place Breakwater

A rock breakwater offshore of Warwick Place is proposed to break waves approaching the shoreline, reducing the risk of overtopping immediately behind the breakwater and reducing the risk of erosion.

4.2.2 South Terminal Rock Groyne

A new rock groyne is proposed to replace the existing degraded timber groyne at the Southern end of the scheme (groyne 01), near Neptune Road. The new rock groyne will act as a terminal groyne, reducing sediment transported in a southerly direction from being lost from the Tywyn frontage.

4.2.3 Pier Road Rock Groyne

The Pier Road Rock Groyne will replace the existing degraded timber groyne at the northern end of the promenade (groyne 17). It will function alongside the South Terminal Rock Groyne creating a sediment cell in between which a more stable beach will form. It will also provide some protection from erosion to the Pier Road slipway.

4.2.4 Bryn-y-mor Rock Revetment

A new rock revetment will be constructed in front of the Bryn-y-mor section of the Tywyn frontage between groynes 28 and 23. The revetment will reduce erosion and overtopping immediately behind the new structure.

4.2.5 Beach Nourishment

It is proposed to nourish the beach with imported sediment behind the new Warwick Place Breakwater in order to reduce the potential effect of the new breakwater to attract sediment from downdrift areas (see section 4.4 of the Environmental Statement for further details on this process). The beach nourishment is, therefore, an integral mitigation measure.

4.2.6 Alterations to Existing Groynes

The timber groynes along the frontage are in a state of disrepair with only the vertical posts remaining in many areas (especially across the middle shore). 27 timber groynes are to be replaced by new timber groynes while 7 will be completely removed.



4.2.7 Revetment Improvements South of Warwick Place

The existing blockstone revetment to the South of Warwick Place slipway is in a state of disrepair. It is proposed to extend the entire length of the existing revetment further 4 metres seaward, which will provide increased protection from erosion to the deteriorating lower slope.

4.2.8 Concrete Step Repairs

Stepped Concrete Seawall

The concrete steps running the full length of the Marine Parade promenade are heavily eroded. The ‘steps’ are no longer defined, with the steel work reinforcement showing through in some areas, making the steps difficult (and potentially dangerous) to use. The steps are considered to be of high amenity value, being used by residents and tourists as a place to sit and interact. For this reason it is proposed to reconstruct them. Each step will be approximately 500mm wide and 250mm deep.

Access Steps

The beach access steps at groyne numbers 02, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 28 are in a similar state of disrepair and will be repaired to improve access to and from the beach as well as reducing the current risk to users (due to their degraded nature).

4.2.9 Reconstruction of Warwick Place Slipway

The main slipway at Warwick Place is very worn, with the steel reinforcement showing through the concrete in many areas. The bottom half of the slipway will be completely reconstructed using steel reinforcement and concrete.

4.2.10 Slipway Refurbishments / Repairs

The slipways at groyne 02 and groyne 28, which are smaller than the slipways at Warwick Place and Pier Road, are very degraded and will also be considered for refurbishment or repair as part of the scheme if budgets allow.

4.2.11 Promenade Refurbishments / Repairs

The following minor refurbishments of the promenade will be made to improve its appearance:

• Viewing platform – as part of the Pier Road Rock Groyne.

• Seawall Face – infilling of cracks, voids and joints with concrete

• Grouting of voids behind sea wall

• Approximately 625m of new hand railing between groynes 23 and 34

• Replacement flap valves



5. Character 5.1 Amount

The amount is not applicable for works which are seeking to repair or improve existing defence structures (e.g. improvements to the revetment south of Warwick Place) or to enhance means of access (e.g. Warwick Place slipway).

One Breakwater is proposed rather than three as previously proposed. This limits the reduction of beach to the benefit of beach users. One area of beach nourishment allied to the Warwick Place breakwater to reduce the potential effect of the new breakwater to attract sediment from downdrift areas.

5.2 Layout The proposed location of the Warwick Place breakwater will ensure it breaks the prevailing incoming waves which approach the shoreline from a west-south-west direction. The location of the beach nourishment is directly linked to the position of the Warwick Place breakwater. All the other parts of the scheme are repairs or replacement of existing structures and therefore their location is tied to the location of the existing structures.

5.3 Scale The scale of all the new structures is set out in the Environmental Statement that accompanies the application. In terms of scale the following point is salient:

• The replacement timber groynes will extend 30m from the seawall down the beach (existing groynes are 60m or 120 m long) with a maximum height of +3mAOD at the seawall. The shorter length of the new groynes will improve the appearance of the shoreline.

5.4 Appearance 5.4.1 Warwick Place Breakwater

At mean high water (MHW) only the upper 1.5m of the breakwater will be exposed. At mean low water (MLW) the breakwater will be completely exposed.

The sides of the breakwater will slope down from the crest to the beach at a gradient of 1:10 at the ends of the structure and 1:3 in the central section.

The breakwater will be constructed of granite rock with an outer armour layer of 6-10 tonne rock. The outer perimeter of the curved ends of the breakwater will comprise 10-12 tonne rock.

5.4.2 South Terminal Rock Groyne

The South Terminal Rock Groyne will be connected to the seawall at its landward end, 1.5m lower than the promenade, and will slope seaward at a gradient of approximately 1:30 for 40m where it will then slope at a gradient of 1:3 onto the beach. At MHW, the majority of the groyne will be submerged, except for a length of about 12m at its landward end. At MLW, the entire structure will be exposed.

The groyne will be constructed of local or imported granite rocks of 6-10 tonnes.

5.4.3 Pier Road Rock Groyne

The Pier Road Rock Groyne is an L-shaped structure. The sides of the groyne will have a slope of 1 in 3. Overall, it will be above the level of the beach by between 1m and 2.5m along its whole length. At MHW the top 2m of the structure extending for a length of 27m seaward will be exposed at MHW. At MLW the entire structure will be exposed.



The groyne will be largely constructed of granite rocks of 6-10 tonnes.

The proposed viewing platform will be made of concrete, approximately 15m wide and extend approximately 5.5m from the seawall to meet the Pier Road Rock Groyne (this is the same distance that the concrete steps extend seaward from the sea wall).

5.4.4 Replacement Timber Groynes

Each replacement timber Groyne will consist of a series of vertical posts connected above beach level by a series of horizontal timber planks and walings. It is expected that given natural variations in beach levels, the new groynes will be subject to various degrees of exposure or burial by sediment. When exposed by tide and natural variation in beach levels the full 30m of the groyne could be visible and the horizontal planking ‘walls’ will extend vertically 0.5m up from the sand at the top of the shore. When buried by natural variation in beach levels, the groyne may be almost completely concealed except for the tops of the posts. The groynes are likely to be constructed from Greenheart wood as this is the most suitable material in the marine environment.

5.4.5 Bryn-y-mor Rock Revetment

At MLW the revetment will be completely exposed. It will be partly submerged at MHW. Construction: granite rocks of 3-6 tonnes.

5.4.6 Revetment Improvements South of Warwick Place

The revetment will be extended 4m further seaward by placing 3-6 tonne rock (granite) in front of the existing structure. The revetment will tie in to the adjacent Warwick Place slipway. The revetment will be completely exposed at MLW and partially exposed at MHW.

5.4.7 Beach Nourishment

The existing beach material consists of a wide range of particle sizes ranging from fine sands (along the lower shore) with shingle and pebbles (upper shore). The imported material will be of a similar size (mixture of sand/shingle/pebble) and colour to the existing sediment in order to blend in.

5.4.8 Stepped Concrete Seawall

The reconstruction of the stepped seawall will improve its appearance. The steps will be completely reconstructed to similar specifications / dimensions as the original steps using concrete.

5.4.9 Access Steps

The steps will be reconstructed to similar specifications / dimensions as the existing steps using concrete as described above.

5.4.10 Reconstruction or Refurbishment of slipways

The bottom half of the Warwick Place slipway will be completely reconstructed using steel reinforcement and concrete to the same dimensions and similar specification as existing.

Any repairs will be done to the same dimensions and similar specifications as existing.

5.4.11 Promenade Refurbishments / Repairs.

A new viewing platform is to be constructed as part of the new Pier Road Rock Groyne. Voids in the seawall face are to be filled with concrete, replacement hand railing is proposed between groynes 23 and 34 and flap valves are to be replaced. These measures will all improve the appearance of the promenade and are also important in access terms.

5.4.12 General

The height of rock structures adjacent to the sea wall will be contained below the level of the sea wall to minimise their impact on landscape character and visual amenity.



Sympathetic selection of materials in terms of type, scale and colour will ensure new structures will compliment the existing landscape.

5.5 Landscaping No soft landscaping is proposed. Such landscaping is no necessary either to improve the integrity of the coastal defences or to improve the amenity of the promenade and beach. References to hard landscaping such as steps and hand rails are provided elsewhere in this chapter.



6. Access and Community Safety 6.1 Road Access to the Site

There is a bus service to the promenade and the flat nature of the promenade means that it is accessible to cyclists, parents with buggies and people with mobility impairments. Closure of the roads on the sea front can affect those groups from accessing the promenade. The scheme has been designed to reduce the risk of Marine Parade flooding and thus reduce the likelihood of road closures.

6.2 Parking Facilities The location of one of the site compounds in the car park near Warwick Place slipway will result in a reduction in the number of available parking spaces, including three spaces for wheelchair users. There are, however, two additional car parks along the frontage, both of which include spaces for wheelchair users. These two car parks will remain fully open for use. Liaison will be carried out with CGC to agree the number of spaces taken in the Warwick Place car park for the site compound and signs will be erected in the car park advising of alternative parking areas.

The car parks at each end of Marine Parade, directly behind the promenade, will be at lower risk of disruption from flooding as a result of the coastal defence improvements.

6.3 Access within the Site 6.3.1 Access to the Promenade

The promenade provides opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists and people with mobility problems to move along the seafront and enjoy sea views. Seating on the promenade also allows people to enjoy the sea view and to take rests.

The repairs to the promenade, including repairs to the access steps and the stepped concrete sea wall will enhance the amenity experience for users of the promenade both visually and in terms of health and safety. The new structures will also reduce the frequency and severity of wave overtopping and will reduce the disruption to access caused by sediment overtopping the seawall. The new viewing platform at Pier Road will provide an amenity asset, allowing visitors to enjoy the seaviews from a dedicated viewing area.

6.3.2 Access along the Beach

The scheme has been designed to ensure that access along the beach is not significantly obstructed by any of the new structures. The largest structure is the Warwick Place Breakwater which will represent an obstacle to access along the beach in the middle and lower shore. Visitors will not be able to walk around the seaward side of the structure as MLW will meet the base of the structure. However, the scheme will improve beach access in the upper shore area landward of the new breakwater by removing the existing groynes at this location.

Both the Pier Road Rock Groyne and the South Terminal Rock Groyne will be built at the location of existing groynes. Although both structures will have a greater land take than the existing groynes they are replacing, they will be shorter, improving access along the shore.

The Bryn-y-mor revetment will cause a small loss in upper beach area at the Northern end of the beach. However, there are already six 60m long groynes within this area which interrupt access along the beach.

Overall the scheme will create a safer more attractive environment that will encourage people to walk along the beach.



The replacement of 27 of the existing timber groynes will not only provide a visual improvement and health and safety improvement to visitors, but they will be made significantly shorter, reducing their existing obstruction to beach access and improving the openness of the beach for recreation. The new shorter groynes will be approximately 30m long, in comparison to the existing groynes which extend seaward between 60m and 120m. In addition, the groynes will be approximately 1m lower in height than the existing ones, reducing visual intrusion but still enabling people to use them as windbreaks.

The repairs to the stepped concrete seawall will enhance the seating areas for visitors and the improvements to the beach access steps will improve access and reduce the risk of accidents.

Wheelchair users will be able to use the slipway should they want to gain access to the beach.

Access to the Sea

The scheme could encourage swimming around the Warwick Place Breakwater during high tides. Breakwaters are known to generate eddies and strong currents. Although there will be some secondary currents generated, these are unlikely to be strong enough to pose a risk to swimmers.

The repairs made to three slipways will improve the launching and recovery of commercial and leisure boats. Although the Warwick Place Breakwater and beach nourishment will be constructed in front of the Warwick Place slipway, these elements of the scheme will not restrict the use of the slipway. The imported beach sediment will be similar to existing therefore not impacting on the ability for boats to be manoeuvred to the water’s edge.

Both the Pier Road and Warwick Place slipways will benefit from increased shelter from the new rock structures.

Navigation

Efforts will be made to ensure that navigation in the nearshore zone remains safe. Signs will be erected at all four slipways informing of the works and advising of vessel construction routes. Beach marshals will also be present on site to answer questions and advise boat users on safe launching areas. During the Bathing Water season (May to September) lifeguards will be present on the beach to ensure the safety of beach and sea users.

There is a risk that recreational and commercial boats could collide with the new rock structures, particularly at night or during strong current and wave conditions. Navigational aids will be provided on the seaward extent of the Warwick Place Breakwater, Pier Road Rock Groyne and South Terminal Rock Groyne to reduce this risk in consultation with Trinity House.



7. Conclusions

The proposed scheme is appropriate for its setting in terms of scale, layout, appearance and materials. The scheme encourages people to access the promenade and the beach by means other than the car but also ensures user groups with a reliance on the car can still access the site. The scheme is therefore consistent with planning policies covering design and access issues.

The design of the flood defence measures and the amenity improvements have been informed by the physical, social, and economic context. In particular coastal processes and users of the development have influenced the design. The key design and access points are as follows:

• Signs at structures will reduce the risk of people climbing on rocks;

• The viewing platform will provide improved opportunities for users of the promenade to enjoy sea view;

• The proposed repairs and groyne replacement will improve the visual amenity value of the beach and the promenade for all existing users;

• Preventing beach levels from lowering over time will ensure that residents and visitors who access the beach using the access steps will be able to continue accessing the beach safely;

• The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding and therefore prevent road closure so people can still access the seafront;

• The scheme will reduce the risk of flood damage to properties in Tywyn;

• The scheme will reduce the risk of car parking being closed because of flooding – for the benefit of those accessing the beach and the promenade, including people with mobility impairments;

• Groynes to be replaced to ensure they continue to provide windbreaks for people sitting on the beach;

• Improved access to the beach for residents and visitors through improvements to the stepped concrete wall at the Victorian Promenade and improvements to the access steps;

• Improved slipway access to the sea for leisure and commercial vessels;

• Improved access along the beach due to the removal of and reduction in the length of the existing groynes.



Appendix A

A.1 Location Plan



A.2 2005 Scheme and 2009 Scheme Layouts



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