A revised planning application to help protect Laxey from high tides and severe storms has been submitted.
Plans were originally displayed in the village in July. The designs have been revised to take into account the issues raised, while retaining the need to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The key aspects of the scheme are:
- If approved, the height of the reinforced concrete cantilever retaining wall running the length of the promenade will remain at the original design level, but the walkway will be raised by up to 65cm to allow people sitting on benches to view the sea. Pedestrian access will be provided by steps, reducing in number as the base of the new wall tapers to meet the existing wall level at the slipway. A ramp will allow access for wheelchair users.
- An opening also been left in the proposed wall at the location of the existing steps, into which 1.2m-high storm boards can be fitted during sea surges.
- The proposed wall along Tent Road has been stepped back by around 1 metre to allow better access for harbour users and to remain clear of existing street furniture. A sliding flood gate 50cm high has also been added at the eastern end of Tent Road to prevent water flowing down it.
- The original design indicated that walls should be built around the boat park at the entrance to the pier. These have been removed from the new plans to allow any storm water to drain across the boat park and into the harbour, as it does now.
- Upstream, the new flood walls around the main boat park will tie into Manx Utilities’ proposals for the new sewage treatment works on the north bank of the Laxey River.
Kate Lord-Brennan, Member with responsibility for Highway Services, said:
‘The Department has listened to the community’s concerns and the revised designs address many of the issues raised in July.’
The plans are available to view at Garff Commissioners’ offices in New Road, Laxey, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. Anyone wishing to see them outside those hours should email garff@manx.net or call 861241 to make alternative arrangements. The plans will also be available online on the Planning and Building Control pages of the Government website.
Construction is expected to take six months.
The proposed project will cost between £1.5m and £2m, with funds allocated from the Climate Change Adaption Scheme budget.
