NEWGALE, a constant victim of extreme weather and rising sea levels, is set for a transformative shift with the latest proposals under the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Scheme.

With an ambitious plan to realign the A487, the local authorities are making concerted efforts to protect vital infrastructure and preserve the coastal community from the growing threats posed by climate change.

Newgale’s vulnerability became alarmingly evident during the severe storms of 2014, when sections of the A487 were flooded and debris from the beach’s shingle bank made the road impassable. Over the years, this stretch has regularly been disrupted by storms, with rising sea levels forecast to exacerbate the issue. According to projections, sea levels may rise by as much as 1.35 metres over the next century.

At the heart of the proposed solution is the realignment of the A487, a major coastal road connecting Haverfordwest with St David’s. The plan, which is estimated to cost £30 million, aims to move the road inland, bypassing the most vulnerable sections near the coastline. Currently, heavy storms cause flooding and frequent deposits of pebbles and shingle onto the road, rendering it dangerous and forcing regular closures.

The coastline at Newgale is eroding due to both natural processes and climate change. The shingle bank that once provided minimal protection is increasingly unstable, with the beach itself narrowing and becoming steeper. Continuing to maintain the current road by clearing pebbles will become more costly and disruptive over time.

“Simply defending the current road is not an option,” says a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council. “Adaptation is our best strategy to manage long-term changes. Climate change isn’t something we can wish away. We must respond proactively to protect both the community and the strategic infrastructure that is vital for the region”.

The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Scheme, first conceptualised following the 2014 storms, has undergone several phases of development. Initially proposed in 2018, the project has evolved significantly over the past five years, navigating numerous challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising construction costs, and input from local stakeholders.

Pembrokeshire County Council, working with infrastructure experts Atkins, has conducted extensive environmental impact assessments and consultations to determine the most viable solution. The Welsh Government’s Roads Review, published earlier this year, gave its backing to the plan, allowing the project to proceed under the Welsh Government’s Resilient Roads Fund.

In addition to the realignment of the road, the scheme includes a comprehensive plan to mitigate environmental impacts, ensuring that the biodiversity of the region is preserved, while carbon emissions from construction are minimised. These measures align with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which prioritises long-term environmental sustainability.

Despite widespread support for the scheme, not all community members agree with the proposed solutions. The local group Stand Up for Newgale (STUN) has advocated for an alternative strategy that would reinforce the existing shingle bank. Their plan calls for a 10-12 metre realignment of a portion of the shingle bank seaward, creating an “overwash barrier” to protect the road.

However, experts have expressed concerns that STUN’s proposal would be a short-term fix and may not withstand the increasing frequency of storms and rising sea levels. The shingle bank’s natural movement is difficult to predict, and reinforcement would require continuous and costly maintenance, which could become unsustainable over time.

The scheme is now at a critical juncture, with the Council working to finalise plans and move towards a planning application. The current design is undergoing a “freeze” phase, where the finer details are being ironed out before the next steps, such as securing full funding and proceeding to a public inquiry.

Environmental surveys, traffic impact assessments, and further consultation with local landowners and businesses are ongoing. Pembrokeshire County Council is keen to ensure that all voices are heard through Task and Finish Groups (TFGs), which provide a platform for residents and stakeholders to contribute to the final plan.

If all goes according to plan, construction could begin within the next few years, securing Newgale’s future and ensuring that this essential route connecting Haverfordwest with the St Davids Peninsula remains open.