The plans for the new ‘sea wall’ along WK promenade have aroused considerable interest and controversy. One West Kirby is considering the information available – though at present we are focused on completing our Community Survey on December 16th, reviewing the responses to that, and developing a set of priorities for action in the new year. However, we encourage all local residents and visitors to look at the proposals carefully, and to take part in the consultation on the planning application which is open until January 22nd 2021.
In this document we set out the available information and issues – please read on.
Planning application for Flood Defence Wall on South Parade
Statement by One West Kirby
December 2020
One West Kirby wants to draw your attention to the current planning application for a Flood Defence Wall on South Parade in West Kirby. We don’t advocate any specific standpoint or opinion on the merits or details of the scheme, but we are keen to encourage everyone to look at the proposals carefully and thoroughly, and then to consider whether they wish to make any representations on this proposal to Wirral Borough Council.
With this in mind we set out below some information, taken from the Council’s website which may help in understanding the proposal, and then we identify some issues which people may wish to consider. We also highlight how and when you can make representations, should you wish to do so.
Link to planning application on Council website
All the documents and drawings can be viewed by clicking this link, then choosing the Documents and Plans tab and then selecting a specific item from the list. However, be warned it is not always clear from the titles in the list what each document is and you may have to go through many of them to find any particular one.
What is in the Application
The files at the top of the list on the website are the main drawings, which are split into sections along the Promenade.
The file entitled WESTKIRBY FAS_BOARDS 15.10.20_OPTIMIZED.PDF provides the ‘consultation boards’ which give a summary view of the scheme.
Then there are 11 main written report documents, many of which are split up into several files:
· Planning Statement
· Design & Access Statement
· Flood Risk Assessment
· Construction Environmental Management Plan
· Construction Noise and Vibration Assessment
· Habitats Regulations Assessment (Update)
· Environmental Report 2016
· Cycling Study Options Appraisal
· High Level Condition Assessment
· Desk Study – (Geo environmental and geo-technical)
· Ground Investigation Report
Some of these reports are highly technical covering details which will not be the prime considerations for the planning application. The first ones to look at to gain an understanding of the scheme are probably the Design & Access Statement and the Planning Statement.
The planning application forms are at the bottom of the list on the website.
Main elements of the scheme
· A 1.2m high buff coloured pre-cast concrete wall in a linear wave form running the full length of the promenade, with seating built into it on the seaward side, constructed in sections.
· 15 gaps for pedestrian access and 7 gaps for vehicular access. The pedestrian gaps are 2m wide and mostly located to relate to side streets or other main crossing points (eg Coronation Gardens). The vehicular access gates are 4-10m wide, depending on location, and include one to access the Baths site.
· When the barrier has to be activated wooden ‘gates’ will be inserted into the pedestrian gaps
· A 1.2m wide ‘pavement’ between the wall and the road, giving access to and from vehicles.
· The main promenade will vary in width depending on location and the ‘wave’ of the wall but appears to be in the order of 3.7-3.9m
· The Baths site redesigned as an events space
· A cycle path (one way southbound) on the east side of the road carriageway
· Resurfacing of the promenade
· Resurfacing of the road carriageway and footpath, with dedicated designed crossing points
· New lighting
· Relocation of the shelters (one to the Baths site, one to near the Sailing Centre)
· Stone gabions around the edge of the Sailing Club site
· Car parking to be retained in current locations
Note that the wall itself and the gabions are the elements that require planning permission – all other elements are considered to be ‘permitted development’ under planning legislation.
Issues to consider
We know that people will have differing views on what are the main issues for them, so the following are observations on some issues we have identified. You are invited to consider these alongside any others you may feel are important.
Flood risk justification for the scheme
The frequency of flooding is reported and assessed in the Flood Risk Assessment, which also provides scenarios for possible future flooding. Is this sufficiently set explained?
Aspects of the design
Is the wave form of the wall appropriate? Is the seating a suitable design solution? Is the new design for the Baths site appropriate and an improvement? Are the new locations for the shelters appropriate?
Materials
The overall scheme is not just a ‘wall’, it involves complete resurfacing of the promenade and road / footpath. Is concrete the only realistic material for the wall? – Presumably imported stone would be too expensive? Quality of construction and finish will be important.
Impact on pedestrians
The reduced width of the pedestrian promenade is an issue to consider. Is that reduced width such that it is seriously detrimental to overall enjoyment of the promenade? Are the 15 pedestrian access gaps appropriate? Are the new pedestrian crossing points across South Parade a welcome design feature?
Impact on cyclists
The dedicated cycle lane provides a feature which designed to both cyclists and pedestrians. Is this welcome?
Impact on motorists
The cycle lane does reduce the width of road for vehicles, but presumably within acceptable limits for a one-way road. Car parking is retained. Are there any downsides for drivers?
Ability to view the lake / estuary
Views from the existing seating in ‘The Ovens’ will be partially restricted by the 1.2m high wall, as will views from some cars when parked alongside the wall. This impact will vary according to the type of vehicle. Is this a significant issue?
Construction impacts
Inevitably there will be disruption from construction activities – the way in which this is managed will be important. Can this be effectively controlled?
Impacts on natural environment issues
The Habitats Regulations Assessment submitted with the application concludes that the development will not significantly impact on the protected natural habitats in the estuary. Does that seem OK?
Implications for the Sailing Club
Presumably additional protection around the dinghy park will be helpful – the Sailing Club is best placed to comment on this. There is a vehicle gate access to the Baths site which the Sailing Club and others could use to bring in spectator seating etc for major events.
What can you do next?
Take some time to look at the drawings and reports to try to understand the scheme in more detail.
Are there other issues which you consider important?
If you want to make representations on the application you can do this via the Wirral Council website using this link. https://planning.wirral.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=_WIRRA_DCAPR_109770
The Local Planning Authority (Wirral Council), is currently evaluating this planning application, and is required by law to consider any representations it receives from the general public as well as from statutory bodies and other consultees. (Note that the term ‘representations’ covers objections, support or neutral comments.)
The standard consultation expiry date is now Friday 22nd Jan 2021, after which the Council is permitted to make a decision on the application, so representations are best made by that date.However it is quite possible that the Council may take longer than this to make a decision, in which case representations made up to the actual committee date will be taken into account.