Long Rock Plans on Show at Exhibition

Long Rock Plans on Show at Exhibition

Cornwall Council’s plans for a £3.7 million project to protect and improve one of Cornwall’s most iconic seafronts were recently on display to the public.

The exhibition detailed how new sea defences at Long Rock will not only safeguard the coastline and improve access to the beach, but will also reduce flood risk, protect the nearby railway line, the A30 and the South West coast path, and offer environmental benefits for Marazion Marsh.

The works will involve creating 300 metres of new rock armour sea-defence works, with new seating, planting and easier beach access. The more resilient coastline will assist the area to attract investment and regeneration.

The water level in Marazion Marsh will also be raised, helping to create nearly four hectares of improved wetland habitat.

Once the work is completed a longer-term strategy can be developed to provide protection to the coastline over the next 100 years.

The project will:

– Reduce the level of flood risk to the community of Long Rock, which if left will only worsen as current defence fails and environmental impacts of climate change increase
– Provide increased coastal protection to the Great Western Railway main line and the A30 serving strategic transport links in and out of Penzance and access to the Isles of Scilly
– Protect commercial assets and infrastructure including 295 residential properties and 65 commercial properties
– Create better conditions for sustained economic growth by reducing impediments to local investment, complementing new development and allowing greater connection with customers
– Improve the natural environment by protecting the Marazion Marsh, creating an increased area of open water for habitat and wildlife and connecting river catchments to the coast at Mounts Bay in accordance with Mounts Bay Shoreline Management Strategy and the Environment Agency’s Water Level Management Plan (WLMP)
– Create widespread flood awareness and improved ownership of flood risk management within the local community
– Reduce the long-term costs of responding to future, large-scale flooding events in the Mounts Bay area
– Provide eel passages by connecting the catchment to the coast at Mount’s Bay.

The project seeking planning permission and other statutory approvals later this year. The works are intending to start in early spring 2019, with completion in spring 2020 with breaks for the summer period to ensure access for the public.

Ward Williams Associates is appointed to provide Project Management and Quantity Surveying services to Cornwall Council.

Jeremy Dunn, Associate Partner, said: “It was fantastic to see so many members of the public at the exhibition, who were keen to find out how these crucial infrastructure works will benefit the local community. The Long Rock scheme will make a significant difference to the long-term protection of the coastline, as well as improving the natural environment by protecting Marazion Marsh”.

“WWA is experienced in the delivery of infrastructure schemes across the South West is well placed to assist the project team to achieve their aspirations for Long Rock”.

The works are being wholly funded by grants from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Environment Agency Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid (FDGiA). They are being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Environment Agency and strategic partners; RSPB, Natural England, Network Rail and the St Aubyn Estate. Cormac Solutions Ltd are the designers for the project.

For more information, contact the WWA Truro Office.