North Tyneside Council OKs Whitley Bay Scheme

North Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee has approved proposals for the sea defense scheme at the Central Lower Promenade in Whitley Bay.

According to the council, with this approval the vital work can now get underway to refurbish the structure, which is around 100 years old and is reaching the end of its serviceable life.

Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “The scheme promises to achieve just that by strengthening and safeguarding sea defenses and giving this stretch of the coastline a major boost. It will also save a significant amount of public money and takes into account ideas and suggestions raised by residents.”

The revised scheme, which has received strong public support, involves building a new rear wall and strengthening the existing sea wall on the lower promenade. The project, being funded jointly by the council and partners Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency, will be carried out in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

The work, which is due to be complete in winter 2017, will complement the improvements being made to the Northern Promenade.

The Central Lower Promenade scheme is part of the council’s £36 million Seafront Master Plan, which aims to breathe new life into the coast between Cullercoats Bay and St Mary’s Island.