Princes Way, Anchorsholme Coastal Protection Scheme (Rock Overlay/Groynes)

THE MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009

THE MARINE WORKS (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) REGULATIONS 2007 (as amended)

APPLICATION FOR: Anchorsholme Coastal Protection Scheme (Rock Overlay/Groynes)

Notice is hereby given that Blackpool Council, 1 Bickerstaffe Square, Talbot Road Blackpool, FY1 3AH, has applied to Marine Management Organisation, (“MMO”) for a marine licence to carry out a regulated activity under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The project requires an environmental impact assessment (“EIA”) consent and is subject to the requirement for an EIA under the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 (“the EIA Regulations”). An environmental statement has been prepared by the applicant.

The application is to: Complete further upgrades required to the Anchorsholme Coastal Protection Scheme structures located along Princes Way at Anchorsholme to improve the stability of the existing revetment structure and beach. Additional work will support earlier replacement of these structures conducted in 2014-17.

The proposed works are for the extension and upgrading of existing coastal defences. This involves adding up to 72,500 metres cubed (m3) (142,000 tonnes) of additional rock armour stone to the existing rock revetment. This will raise the height of the revetment by 3.5 metres (m), extend the northern and southern extents by 25m and extend the toe of the revetment 10m further seaward across its length.

The proposal also includes five new rock groynes extending 75-125m offshore from the existing revetment, accounting for 22,500m3 (44,000 tonnes) of material. The new groynes will occupy a space of 13,000 square metres (m2). These new groynes will be in keeping with the size and scale of other groynes in the area associated with existing, adjacent developments.

Copies of the environmental statement and the above documents can be viewed online in the MMO’s Public Register at www.gov.uk/check-marine-licence-register 

A copy of the application, environmental statement and other documents required by the EIA Regulations are also available for public inspection, free of charge, during normal staffed opening hours at Anchorsholme Library (Luton Road, Blackpool, FY5 3RS) for a period of 42 days from 25/03/2025.

Copies of the same documents may also be inspected free of charge, during normal office hours and by prior appointment at the offices of the MMO, Lancaster House, Newcastle upon Tyne, during the same period.

If printed copies of the above documents are requested, a charge (not exceeding reasonable copying costs) may be payable.

Representations in respect of the application should ordinarily be made by:

- Visiting the MMO public register at https://marinelicensing.marinemanagement.org.uk/mmofox5/fox/live/MMO_PUBLIC_REGISTER/search?area=3 and accessing the ‘make a comment?’ section of case reference MLA/2025/00033. However, we will also accept representations via the following formats:

- By email to marine.consents@marinemanagement.org.uk; or alternatively

- By letter addressed to Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YH.

In all cases, correspondence must:

- Be received within 42 days of 25 /03/2025;

- Quote the case reference MLA/2025/00033; and

- Include an address to which correspondence relating to the representation or objection may be sent.

Representations received from members of the public will be dealt with in accordance with Schedule 5 of the EIA Regulations. Copies of written representations received by MMO will be sent to the applicant and may also be made publicly available. The MMO is an appropriate authority under the EIA Regulations. In determining the application, the MMO as appropriate authority will make the EIA consent decision for the project. The MMO will also make a decision whether to grant regulatory approval (for a marine licence) under Part 4 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.