To create a sustainable beach management plan for North and West Shore beaches at Llandudno, we assessed potential beach management solutions to overcome damage caused by winter storms, identifying a preferred option for each of the frontages.
The beaches at Llandudno provide a wide range of benefits including coastal defence, recreational space, heritage sites and habitat and fishing grounds. However, the threat of coastal erosion combined with the effects of climate change complicate the process of beach management, with increasingly unpredictable weather often negatively impacting coastal protection.
We undertook a beach management plan and tidal flood risk assessment for both North and West Shore in Llandudno. Funded by the Welsh Government, the works included appraisal of options put forward by the local Coastal Forum and considered further feasible options, which were reviewed for feasibility and whole-life costs. A review of the historical forms of defence that have been used along the frontages was also completed in order to ensure the options put forward would be effective yet discreet and positively impact the heritage of the town.
Coastal modelling for wave overtopping and high-water levels was completed for the frontages and used to determine the standard of protection that the options should provide. As well as the level of protection from the risk of flooding, the well-being of the local people and surrounding areas had to be considered within the options appraisal. A review of different options for each shore was undertaken which identified a shortlist of options for the enhancement of each shore produced that are most likely to be approved for funding.