Welsh Government pledges additional £31.5m for town centre regeneration
Cllr Nick Neumann calls for preservation of iconic landscape and protection of beachfront businesses
A PEMBROKESHIRE county councillor has publicly declared his opposition to the controversial £60 million Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, describing the scheme as unjustified and damaging to the area's natural heritage.
Cllr Nick Neumann, who represents Newgale, said he had been approached by several constituents seeking clarity on his stance. In a detailed public statement issued this week, he confirmed his 'resolute' opposition to the current plans, which would see a new inland route for the A487 cut through the Brandy Brook valley.
'I've lived in Newgale most of my life, brought up at Southwood Cottage and spending time on neighbouring Wood Farm,' Cllr Neumann said. 'I can honestly say the frequency of flooding, road closures, and storms is less now than when I was a young boy.'
'For me, I see no justification or need for a new road that will cut through a very sensitive landscape rich in natural habitat whilst costing taxpayers tens of millions of pounds.'
The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, led by Pembrokeshire County Council in partnership with consultants AtkinsRéalis, proposes a major inland realignment of the A487 to address risks from coastal flooding. However, it has faced mounting criticism from residents, local politicians, and environmental groups.
Support for existing road and local businesses
Cllr Neumann has urged the council to focus instead on maintaining and safeguarding the existing coastal road, which he says supports well-established businesses such as the Newgale campsite, pub, surf shop, café and hardware store.
He described continued management of the shingle bank as 'a sustainable, cost-effective and proven solution if managed correctly,' and called for modest investment in diversion routes to improve signage and traffic management on the rare occasions when the road is closed.
'These are my personal views as a lifelong resident of Newgale, views which I know are shared by many in our community,' he added. 'In my capacity as local member and county councillor, I will continue to hold those in authority to account and push back on the current proposals.'
Consultation still open
Cllr Neumann encouraged residents to participate in the ongoing statutory pre-application consultation, which runs until Saturday, May 11.
'This iconic view on the approach to the St Davids Peninsula needs to be preserved for future generations to enjoy and not lost as the consequence of ill-considered advice and misinformation,' he said.
The proposed scheme includes a 2.5km inland road and a 120m-long concrete bridge across Brandy Brook valley. While the council maintains that it is necessary to protect against future climate-related risks, campaigners and some experts argue that the current coastal road could be retained with relatively minor interventions.
How to respond to the consultation:
Online: www.newgalecoastaladaptation.co.uk
Email: newgale@atkinsrealis.com
Post:
Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team
AtkinsRéalis
12 Orchard Street
Swansea
SA1 5AD
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