According to the Growth, Housing and Environment Department, the wall will also be partly remodelled to create a concave shape – allowing it to deflect waves back out to sea.
The work is the latest in a number of recent construction projects in the area aimed at protecting Beaumont from repeated bouts of coastal flooding.
According to a report outlining why the application was approved, although the scheme will reduce flooding, it will not prevent flooding during extreme storms that coincide with high tides.
‘The raising and reshaping of the sea wall in this location has been deemed to be the most suitable arrangement for flood alleviation by reducing the overtopping of the sea walling that occurs during certain weather conditions,’ the report said.
‘Whilst the wall is not listed, it is a feature that has been in-situ since the 1940s. It was originally designed to be a defensive wall and never for sea-defence purposes. Given the increased flooding issues at Beaumont, it is considered that the proposed development is acceptable and will not impact on the character and appearance of the area.
‘A rise of 0.3m will not prevent people being able to look over to the bay whilst walking, cycling or running along the pathway.’
The adapted structure has been designed so that the wall can be raised by a further 30cm in the future, if necessary.
Virtually identical work, to raise and remodel the sea wall, has already taken place from the Gunsite Café, eastwards towards Le Perquage car park.
A large retractable flood-defence barrier has also been installed at the southern end of the Gunsite car park.
