Cardiff unveils coastal protection plan

A multi-million pound flood defence designed to cope with a one-in-200-year storm and rising sea levels caused by climate change could be built to protect the south east of Cardiff.

Plans for the £25m coastal protection scheme, on the banks of the River Rhymney, have been released by Cardiff Council.

The new flood defence, which could be ready by 2023, will help:

• Manage flood risk to just under 1,200 properties;
• Prevent material from Lamby Way landfill site eroding into the sea;
• Protect key road infrastructure, a supermarket and the Rover Way Travellers site for the next 100 years.

Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Recycling and Environment, Cllr Michael Michael, said: “The greatest risk to Cardiff right now is flooding and rising sea levels caused by climate change. Our flood defences along the foreshore by Rover Way are in a poor condition and only have a short-to-medium-term lifespan, so it’s really important that action is taken now to safeguard this part of the city.”

The scheme has been designed to ensure there is minimal impact on existing river and coastal foreshore habitats.

The proposals for the new defences include:

• Rock armour placed on the coastal foreshore on both sides of the river Rhymney;
• Raised and maintained sea defences along the river Rhymney;
• Raising of existing coastal defence embankments.

Welsh Government will pay 85% of the cost of the scheme with Cardiff council making up the rest.

Project timeline:

• Planning and marine licensing: June 2021 – September 2021
• Business case and initial design submitted to Welsh Government: August 2021
• Tender process begins: July 2021
• Final design submitted to Welsh Government: November 21 until December 21
• Work on site begins: February 2022 – March 2022
• Work complete: July 2023 – October 2023.