Plans have been submitted to build a new 600-metre coastal defence to help protect Bangor from future sea level rise.
With Hirael’s existing protection described as “limited” – the only formal defences in the area are sea walls “in various states of disrepair” – the area is said to need a long-term solution.
Bangor has been identified as an area at risk of flooding due to climate change, with low-lying areas facing multiple risk factors including sea level rise, groundwater from high water tables, stormwater, surface water and water from Afon Adda discharged into the sea.
The area around Beach Road suffered severe flooding in both 1923 and 1973, but climate change is expected to cause sea levels to rise by 1.2 metres by the end of the century, and local Senedd members have warned that without further flood control work on Hirael The consequences for residents and businesses could be “serious”.
Hirael flood protection facility.The existing gabion promenade was in poor condition of maintenance.Source: Planning document
A rise of 12-13 cm has been noted between 1991 and 2015, and the Gwynedd committee plans to span four sections, namely:
To provide adequate flood protection, it recommends raising the wall approximately 1.3 m (4’3″) above the level of the existing promenade.
The extent and depth of flooding caused by a 1 in 50, 8-hour storm event in 2055 if no defenses are in place and the current promenade is left unmaintained.Source: Gwynedd Committee
Hirael’s historic flooding was caused by high rainfall and high tides.Afon Adda’s 4km underground flow through Bangor city centre was diverted through a culvert that was too small, so when high tide coincided with peak river flow, the culvert was flooded.
However, although extensive works to mitigate flood risk at Afon Adda were completed in 2008, flood risk from the coast remains an issue in the region.
Designed by Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy, the supporting document states, “The existing coastal defences at Hirael are limited and the only formal defences in the area are the sea walls, in various states of disrepair, along the northern coastal frontage on the revetment and East of Gabion Beach Road.
“Currently, there is no other structure to manage wave overflow and inundation. Temporary flood barriers such as sandbags have been deployed in the past along the coastal levee and two slipways to deal with high tides and waves, but are not sufficient to provide long-term flood protection.”
Gwynedd Council’s planning department is expected to consider the application in the coming months.
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Post time: May-18-2022