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Pembrokeshire Herald
11-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Petition to stop plans to move A487 coastal road inland
A PETITION calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to halt a proposed road realignment scheme at a coastal village, and instead look at a cheaper alternative scheme, has been launched. A public consultation was recently launched ahead of a formal Pembrokeshire County Council application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, which would see the development of a new inland section of road with bridge over Brandy Brook some 2.3km inland, to replace the coastal section of A487 at Newgale that will be closed and removed, among other works. Varied claims have been made about the cost of this scheme, from £20m upwards, with some saying it could cost as much as £60m, with millions spent on consultation fees to date. Newgale was hit hard by flooding following storms in early 2014 storms, and later by Storm Dennis in 2020. In 2014 it even saw a visit by the-then Prime Minister David Cameron, as part of a tour of the UK to 'learn lessons' following storms and flooding that year. In 2018, Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet backed a recommendation, long-term, for an inland highway link for the A487. A supporting statement through agent AtkinsRéalis says a 2020 report commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council into coastal change at Newgale concluded 'that continued efforts to maintain the shingle ridge as a defence is highly likely to be unsustainable beyond 2035, more realistically by 2030,' adding: 'Early action is required before the road becomes impassable and unsafe.' However, opponents have said the costs associated with the 2014 flooding incident – which they say was a flooding incident rather than the effects of climate change – would cost less for 3,000 years' worth of clear-ups than the new road scheme. An alternative scheme has been proposed by STUN – Stand Up for Newgale, who have accused AtkinsRéalis and Pembrokeshire County Council of misleading the public over the need for the new Newgale bypass. It says that by using photos of 'the only major flood Newgale has ever had,' in 2014, they are 'over-dramatising' and 'using shock tactics' designed 'to scare people into supporting an unnecessary £40-60 million new road, which, if built would cause devastation to Newgale's ecology and local countryside and would be a blight on the iconic Brandy Brook valley through which the new road would pass'. STUN's alternative scheme would, it says, be an 'alternative low-cost solution to counter any threat from the sea that will protect Newgale for at least 85 – 100 years'. STUN's alternative proposes a section of the shingle bank at Newgale be realigned 10-12 metres to the seaward leaving an over wash barrier between it and the A487 to capture any pebbles and sea water. It has also linked the proposed road realignment scheme to a proposed US military DARC Radar Array, which would involve the construction of 27 Deep Space Radars, each 21 metres tall at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, above Newgale, which it says could not go ahead without the new road in place due to the high levels of lorry traffic DARC's construction and operation would involve. STUN has said: 'Newgale is a jewel in the crown of our tourism rich peninsular, so why is there such determination to waste £60 million of taxpayers money on a completely unnecessary road which would only ever potentially benefit a US military base, and from which the ecology and wildlife of Brandy Brook could never recover?' The council proposals have encountered strong opposition, including local Senedd member Paul Davies MS, who said it was 'ill conceived,' with STUN's alternative less invasive and one that would 'save the council, and local taxpayers, huge amounts of money'. A petition has now been launched opposing the Newgale coastal realignment scheme. It says: 'We believe that the current plan—estimated to cost between £25–£40 million, with consultation fees already exceeding £4 million—requires further scrutiny, transparency, and public engagement. 'At this stage, we call for a thorough consideration of STUN's (Stand up for Newgale) alternative scheme, or at the very least, a pause on current proceedings until all viable options have been fully explored. 'The Brandy Brook Valley is an ecologically sensitive and historically significant landscape. Routing a major road through this area risks irreversible damage to its unique natural character, habitats, and community heritage. 'This is not just a financial concern—it is a matter of protecting our shared environment, ensuring community voices are heard, and making responsible, future-facing decisions for Pembrokeshire. 'We respectfully request that Pembrokeshire County Council takes immediate action to: Pause the current development of the Newgale route. Open a transparent review of all alternative proposals, including STUN's plan. Engage in meaningful consultation with local communities, experts, and stakeholders.' STUN has launched a Crowdfunder aimed at funding its alternative planning application. The Pembrokeshire County Council proposals have been previously costed at £20m. The Pre-application Consultation runs until May 11, with plans available online; comments may be sent to Newgale@ or by post: Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team, AtkinsRéalis, Floor 4, West Glamorgan House, 12 Orchard Street, Swansea, SA1 5AD.
Western Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Petition to stop plans to move A487 coastal road inland
A public consultation was recently launched ahead of a formal Pembrokeshire County Council application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, which would see the development of a new inland section of road with bridge over Brandy Brook some 2.3km inland, to replace the coastal section of A487 at Newgale that will be closed and removed, among other works. Varied claims have been made about the cost of this scheme, from £20m upwards, with some saying it could cost as much as £60m, with millions spent on consultation fees to date. Newgale was hit hard by flooding following storms in early 2014 storms, and later by Storm Dennis in 2020. In 2014 it even saw a visit by the-then Prime Minister David Cameron, as part of a tour of the UK to 'learn lessons' following storms and flooding that year. In 2018, Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet backed a recommendation, long-term, for an inland highway link for the A487. A supporting statement through agent AtkinsRéalis says a 2020 report commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council into coastal change at Newgale concluded 'that continued efforts to maintain the shingle ridge as a defence is highly likely to be unsustainable beyond 2035, more realistically by 2030,' adding: 'Early action is required before the road becomes impassable and unsafe.' However, opponents have said the costs associated with the 2014 flooding incident – which they say was a flooding incident rather than the effects of climate change - would cost less for 3,000 years' worth of clear-ups than the new road scheme. An alternative scheme has been proposed by STUN - Stand Up for Newgale, who have accused AtkinsRéalis and Pembrokeshire County Council of misleading the public over the need for the new Newgale bypass. It says that by using photos of "the only major flood Newgale has ever had," in 2014, they are 'over-dramatising' and 'using shock tactics' designed 'to scare people into supporting an unnecessary £40-60 million new road, which, if built would cause devastation to Newgale's ecology and local countryside and would be a blight on the iconic Brandy Brook valley through which the new road would pass'. STUN's alternative scheme would, it says, be an 'alternative low-cost solution to counter any threat from the sea that will protect Newgale for at least 85 - 100 years'. STUN's alternative proposes a section of the shingle bank at Newgale be realigned 10-12 metres to the seaward leaving an over wash barrier between it and the A487 to capture any pebbles and sea water. It has also linked the proposed road realignment scheme to a proposed US military DARC Radar Array, which would involve the construction of 27 Deep Space Radars, each 21 metres tall at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, above Newgale, which it says could not go ahead without the new road in place due to the high levels of lorry traffic DARC's construction and operation would involve. STUN has said: 'Newgale is a jewel in the crown of our tourism rich peninsular, so why is there such determination to waste £60 million of taxpayers money on a completely unnecessary road which would only ever potentially benefit a US military base, and from which the ecology and wildlife of Brandy Brook could never recover?' The council proposals have encountered strong opposition, including local Senedd member Paul Davies MS, who said it was "ill conceived," with STUN's alternative less invasive and one that would "save the council, and local taxpayers, huge amounts of money'. A petition has now been launched opposing the Newgale coastal realignment scheme. It says: 'We believe that the current plan—estimated to cost between £25–£40 million, with consultation fees already exceeding £4 million—requires further scrutiny, transparency, and public engagement. "At this stage, we call for a thorough consideration of STUN's (Stand up for Newgale) alternative scheme, or at the very least, a pause on current proceedings until all viable options have been fully explored. 'The Brandy Brook Valley is an ecologically sensitive and historically significant landscape. Routing a major road through this area risks irreversible damage to its unique natural character, habitats, and community heritage. 'This is not just a financial concern—it is a matter of protecting our shared environment, ensuring community voices are heard, and making responsible, future-facing decisions for Pembrokeshire. 'We respectfully request that Pembrokeshire County Council takes immediate action to: Pause the current development of the Newgale route. Open a transparent review of all alternative proposals, including STUN's plan. Engage in meaningful consultation with local communities, experts, and stakeholders.' STUN has launched a Crowdfunder aimed at funding its alternative planning application. The Pembrokeshire County Council proposals have been previously costed at £20m. The Pre-application Consultation runs until May 11, with plans available online; comments may be sent to Newgale@ or by post: Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team, AtkinsRéalis, Floor 4, West Glamorgan House, 12 Orchard Street, Swansea, SA1 5AD.
Pembrokeshire Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
RNLI crew praised for swift rescue of stranded kayakers
Council urged to pause project amid environmental and financial concerns OPPOSITION is mounting against Pembrokeshire County Council's plans for a new inland road at Newgale, as local campaigners accuse the authority and its consultants of using 'shock tactics' and outdated data to justify the controversial scheme. The £60 million Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project (NCAP) is currently in the statutory consultation phase, with the public invited to submit comments before the deadline of May 11. The scheme, designed in partnership with Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRéalis, proposes diverting the A487 inland through the Brandy Brook valley. The council says the route is necessary to future-proof a flood-prone stretch of the existing coastal road, which was severely affected during storms in 2014. Campaign group STUN raises alarm But campaigners from Stand Up for Newgale (STUN) claim the 2014 storm—often cited in council communications—was an isolated incident and should not be used as the sole justification for such a major project. 'Using dramatic images of one rare event to promote this scheme is misleading,' said a STUN spokesperson. 'The 2014 overtopping cost the council just £13,000. That is a world away from the £60 million now being proposed. Even if storms like that happened every year, it would take thousands of years to justify this level of spending.' STUN's alternative proposal involves moving a section of the existing shingle bank around 10 metres seaward and constructing improved beach access infrastructure. Costed at under £500,000, they say it would protect the road for the next century without requiring a new bypass. The group has published artist's impressions of its plan and launched a crowdfunder to fund their own planning submission. STUN want to move the bank seaward and save the existing road. Environmental and tourism concerns Newgale's shingle bank was affected during storms in 2014. Environmental impact is a key issue for campaigners, who warn that building the new road would irreversibly alter the Brandy Brook valley—a landscape currently part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. According to technical documents seen by The Herald, the proposed bypass would require a 120-metre-long, 15-metre-high concrete bridge supported by over 100 buried columns. Construction would involve thousands of tonnes of materials and temporary access roads, which STUN claims would pose pollution risks to the watercourse and destroy natural habitats. They also argue that the loss of facilities such as public toilets, the T11 bus stop, and nature trails through campsites could harm the local tourism industry. Support from local councils and politicians Several community councils in the area—Brawdy, Solva, Nolton and Roch—have submitted formal objections. Senedd Member Paul Davies has also publicly backed STUN's alternative, warning that the current proposal is financially irresponsible. 'I am very disappointed that the council is pushing ahead with its plans rather than working with the community on a much more affordable scheme,' Mr Davies said. 'We know the council is struggling financially, and yet somehow it is content to find millions of pounds for a scheme the local community opposes.' Suspicions over military connection Some residents have raised questions about the scheme's timing, given a proposed US military radar installation at nearby Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project, involving 27 large radars, would require substantial construction traffic. STUN believes the bypass may be intended to facilitate this and argues that, if linked, the road and radar plans should be submitted together for planning approval. Council response Pembrokeshire County Council has maintained that the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project is vital for ensuring long-term resilience to climate change. The council has previously stated that sea level rise and worsening storm conditions present a growing risk to the A487. A spokesperson said the scheme remains at the consultation stage and that all feedback submitted before the May 11 deadline will be carefully considered. Public urged to take part Campaigners are encouraging members of the public to submit objections or comments during the consultation window. How to have your say: Email: newgale@ (copy: contact@ Post: Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team AtkinsRéalis 12 Orchard Street Swansea SA1 5AD The consultation runs until Saturday, May 11, 2025.
Pembrokeshire Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Row over £60m Newgale bypass plan as campaigners claim public ‘misled'
Council urged to pause project amid environmental and financial concerns OPPOSITION is mounting against Pembrokeshire County Council's plans for a new inland road at Newgale, as local campaigners accuse the authority and its consultants of using 'shock tactics' and outdated data to justify the controversial scheme. The £60 million Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project (NCAP) is currently in the statutory consultation phase, with the public invited to submit comments before the deadline of May 11. The scheme, designed in partnership with Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRéalis, proposes diverting the A487 inland through the Brandy Brook valley. The council says the route is necessary to future-proof a flood-prone stretch of the existing coastal road, which was severely affected during storms in 2014. Campaign group STUN raises alarm But campaigners from Stand Up for Newgale (STUN) claim the 2014 storm—often cited in council communications—was an isolated incident and should not be used as the sole justification for such a major project. 'Using dramatic images of one rare event to promote this scheme is misleading,' said a STUN spokesperson. 'The 2014 overtopping cost the council just £13,000. That is a world away from the £60 million now being proposed. Even if storms like that happened every year, it would take thousands of years to justify this level of spending.' STUN's alternative proposal involves moving a section of the existing shingle bank around 10 metres seaward and constructing improved beach access infrastructure. Costed at under £500,000, they say it would protect the road for the next century without requiring a new bypass. The group has published artist's impressions of its plan and launched a crowdfunder to fund their own planning submission. STUN want to move the bank seaward and save the existing road. Environmental and tourism concerns Newgale's shingle bank was affected during storms in 2014. Environmental impact is a key issue for campaigners, who warn that building the new road would irreversibly alter the Brandy Brook valley—a landscape currently part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. According to technical documents seen by The Herald, the proposed bypass would require a 120-metre-long, 15-metre-high concrete bridge supported by over 100 buried columns. Construction would involve thousands of tonnes of materials and temporary access roads, which STUN claims would pose pollution risks to the watercourse and destroy natural habitats. They also argue that the loss of facilities such as public toilets, the T11 bus stop, and nature trails through campsites could harm the local tourism industry. Support from local councils and politicians Several community councils in the area—Brawdy, Solva, Nolton and Roch—have submitted formal objections. Senedd Member Paul Davies has also publicly backed STUN's alternative, warning that the current proposal is financially irresponsible. 'I am very disappointed that the council is pushing ahead with its plans rather than working with the community on a much more affordable scheme,' Mr Davies said. 'We know the council is struggling financially, and yet somehow it is content to find millions of pounds for a scheme the local community opposes.' Suspicions over military connection Some residents have raised questions about the scheme's timing, given a proposed US military radar installation at nearby Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project, involving 27 large radars, would require substantial construction traffic. STUN believes the bypass may be intended to facilitate this and argues that, if linked, the road and radar plans should be submitted together for planning approval. Council response Pembrokeshire County Council has maintained that the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project is vital for ensuring long-term resilience to climate change. The council has previously stated that sea level rise and worsening storm conditions present a growing risk to the A487. A spokesperson said the scheme remains at the consultation stage and that all feedback submitted before the May 11 deadline will be carefully considered. Public urged to take part Campaigners are encouraging members of the public to submit objections or comments during the consultation window. How to have your say: Email: newgale@ (copy: contact@ Post: Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team AtkinsRéalis 12 Orchard Street Swansea SA1 5AD The consultation runs until Saturday, May 11, 2025.
Western Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Newgale coastal road relocation plans slammed by local
A public consultation has been launched ahead of a formal Pembrokeshire County Council application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for Phase 1 of the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project, which would see the development of a new inland section of road with bridge over Brandy Brook some 2.3km inland, to replace the coastal section of A487 at Newgale that will be closed and removed, among other works. Newgale was hit hard by flooding following storms in early 2014 storms, and later by Storm Dennis in 2020. In 2014 it even saw a visit by the-then Prime Minister David Cameron, as part of a tour of the UK to 'learn lessons' following storms and flooding that year. The main A487 road was closed for about 14 days after waves breached pebble defences that year, and a Richards Bros bus was stranded in floodwater after it was hit by a high wave, leading to the rescue of around 10 passengers. In 2018, Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet backed a recommendation, long-term, for an inland highway link for the A487. A supporting statement through agent AtkinsRéalis says a 2020 report commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council into coastal change at Newgale concluded 'that continued efforts to maintain the shingle ridge as a defence is highly likely to be unsustainable beyond 2035, more realistically by 2030,' adding: 'Early action is required before the road becomes impassable and unsafe.' An alternative, cheaper, approach, the Newgale Beach Shingle Bank Realignment Scheme (NSBRS) scheme, by Stand Up for Newgale (STUN), had proposed a section of the shingle bank at Newgale be realigned 10-12 metres to the seaward leaving an over wash barrier between it and the A487 to capture any pebbles and sea water. The Pembrokeshire County Council proposals have been previously costed at £20m, with some raising that as high as £40m now, with consultation costs alone to date said to be some £2m. Pembrokeshire's Preseli Senedd member Paul Davies, recently promoted to the Welsh Conservatives' deputy leader, is working with STUN over its proposal, which he said 'is less invasive and would save the council, and local taxpayers, huge amounts of money'. Mr Davies said: 'I'm very disappointed that the council is pushing ahead with its plans rather than working with the community on a much more affordable scheme. We know the council is struggling financially and yet somehow, it's content to find millions of pounds for a scheme that the local community opposes.' 'In my view Pembrokeshire County Council's plans are ill conceived. Any changes to the infrastructure in Newgale must meet the needs of the local community and should aim to be as environmentally sensitive as possible. I've raised this at the Senedd, and I will be doing so again, urging the Cabinet Secretary for Transport to intervene and support the local community.' The Pre-application Consultation runs until May 11, with plans available online; comments may be sent to Newgale@ or by post: Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team, AtkinsRéalis, Floor 4, West Glamorgan House, 12 Orchard Street, Swansea, SA1 5AD.
