Pembrokeshire County Council has announced a pause on its proposed £40 million road realignment scheme in Newgale. The decision, made during a recent Cabinet meeting, reflects the need to reassess the project amidst financial pressures and the evolving impacts of climate change on the local infrastructure.
The Newgale area has been significantly affected by flooding due to severe storms, particularly in 2014 and 2020. Following the 2014 storms, then-Prime Minister David Cameron visited the region to address the damage. In response to the ongoing challenges, a public consultation was initiated last year by AtkinsRéalis, aimed at gathering input for the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project. This initiative plans to construct a new inland road section approximately 2.3 kilometers from the coast, featuring a bridge over Brandy Brook, designed to replace the vulnerable coastal section of the A487.
The estimated costs for the scheme have varied significantly, with figures ranging from £20 million to as high as £60 million. To date, millions have already been spent on consultation fees. As the project has evolved, local group STUN (Stand Up for Newgale) has proposed an alternative plan that involves realigning the shingle bank 10 to 12 meters seaward. This would create a barrier to capture pebbles and seawater, potentially offering a more cost-effective solution.
During the February meeting, members of the Council’s Cabinet reviewed a report presented by Residents’ Services Councillor Rhys Sinnett. The report outlined several options for the scheme’s future, including a formal submission for planning approval, abandoning the project altogether, or putting it on hold for 18 to 24 months. The Cabinet ultimately chose to pause the scheme, acknowledging its necessity while recognizing the current financial climate.
The resolution stated: “Acknowledge that the scheme is required to be delivered, in light of climate change, the work undertaken to date and the results of the WG Roads Review and Pre Application Consultation. However, taking into account the current financial climate and the immediate risk to the A487; pause the scheme prior to submitting planning application, and review the position in the next 18-24 months.”
The Cabinet has also committed to maintaining surveys related to the scheme and exploring short-term improvements, including passing places and signage, to manage the impact of road closures due to storms and flooding. Additionally, the Council plans to continue seeking external funding to support the project’s construction phase.
Local Senedd Member Paul Davies expressed support for the decision to halt the council’s original plans. He emphasized the importance of considering the community-led alternative proposal, which seeks to address coastal erosion effectively and economically. Davies remarked, “Coastal erosion in Newgale has been a longstanding issue, and it’s crucial that any response is both effective and proportionate.”
He further urged the Council to give full consideration to the community’s approach, stating, “The community has developed its own Newgale Beach Access and Shingle Bank Realignment Scheme which offers a less invasive approach that would significantly reduce costs for the council and local taxpayers.”
Davies concluded by reinforcing the need for a balanced solution that prioritizes environmental protection while remaining financially responsible to local residents. As the Council prepares to reassess its options over the next two years, the implications of this decision on Newgale’s future infrastructure remain to be seen.
