Plans for new road which will bypass flood hit village could cost up to £60m
Pembrokeshire proposals for a road realignment scheme at Newgale, and a far cheaper alternative scheme, are to come under the spotlight at a full council meeting next week
Severe flooding at Newgale, Pembrokeshire, in 2014
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service )
Proposals for a road realignment scheme in Pembrokeshire are set to be scrutinised at the full council meeting next week. Newgale suffered severe flooding after storms in early 2014 and later during Storm Dennis in 2020. The then Prime Minister David Cameron even visited the area in 2014 following the storms.
A public consultation, conducted by agent AtkinsRéalis, was initiated earlier this year. This was in anticipation of a formal application from Pembrokeshire Council to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project.
The project involves developing a new inland road section with a bridge over Brandy Brook, approximately 2.3km inland. This would replace the coastal section of the A487 at Newgale that is due to be closed and removed, among other works. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
There have been varied estimates regarding the cost of this scheme, ranging from £20m upwards, with some speculating it could reach as high as £60m. Millions have already been spent on consultation fees.
An alternative proposal has been put forward by STUN - Stand Up for Newgale, who have previously claimed that the public has been misled about the necessity for the new Newgale bypass.
STUN's much more affordable alternative suggests realigning a section of the shingle bank at Newgale 10-12 metres seaward. This would create an over-wash barrier between it and the A487 to catch any pebbles and sea water.
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The proposed new road route for Newgale
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service )
At the upcoming Pembrokeshire Council meeting on July 17, Gareth Chapman, chair of Solva Community Council, will present a pressing query: "The topic of the road diversion at Newgale has been in the news quite a lot recently and it has become apparent that there has been an alternative scheme proposed by the Newgale Community group STUN."
In his question, Mr. Chapman is set to highlight a cheaper and longer-lasting alternative to the council's current plans: "This proposal has been demonstrated to Solva Community Council and appears to be an under £1m proposal with up to 85 years lifespan compared to the conservative £40m-plus estimate for the PCC proposal."
The enquiry will indicate the community's opposition to drastic changes, noting: "hardly anyone wants this major change in Newgale," and pointing out flaws in the County Council's project: "PCC's proposal is to counter for road closures that rarely happen and, even then, require little expense to restore the pebble bank.
"It should also be remembered that on several occasions, flooding at Newgale occurs because the river outlet is blocked preventing water from the valley escaping and not as a result of a high tide or storm."
A visualisation of flooding changes to Newgale over time
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service )
It will also stress the importance of conserving Newgale's distinctive character and scenery for future generations, emphasising: "It is acknowledged that climate change and coastal issues at Newgale may eventually in many years force a change in the highway arrangements at Newgale but it is felt that all efforts should be made to retain the character of the village and iconic views for as long as possible.
"Given the significant amount of public funds that are set to be allocated, which could arguably be better utilised on other more urgent matters, would Pembrokeshire Council commit to thoroughly scrutinising the alternative proposal as suggested by the Welsh Government's Transport Appraisal Guidance, and also fully consider the strong public sentiment regarding the future of Newgale?
"Secondly, if Pembrokeshire Council have already given this alternative scheme thorough consideration, will they also pledge to provide their written feedback on the alternative scheme to Solva Community Council within 14 days of this meeting?".
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The question will receive a response during the meeting.
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