Conwy councillors will look at options to improve the sea defences in Kinmel Bay this week.

But a local councillor said the poor state of housing in the area needs to be addressed as well.

Towyn and Kinmel Bay were hit by major flooding in 1990 that saw 6,000 residents evacuated.

The council now wants to reduce the flood risk posed by climate change by improving the sea defences at Sandy Cove in Kinmel Bay.

The cost of bringing the estate roads, drains, open spaces and infrastructure up to Conwy Council adoptable standards has been estimated at £5,223,673.

A council study shows that there are almost 4,200 properties at risk in a severe coastal flood event.

This figure would reduce to just over 350 properties if a coastal defence improvement scheme was introduced, with an estimated cost of  about £2,200,000.

In Sandy Cove this would see the raising of the height of the sea wall as well as additional rock armour and providing more cobble to the beach.

A report to councillors on the economy and place committee which will hold a special meeting on the plans on Thursday pointed out the conditions of the houses in Sandy Cove were still largely poor.

It said: “The Towyn floods of 1990 caused significant damage to the housing with extensive repairs being carried out through household insurance claims.

Due to the condition of these properties, houses are relatively inexpensive. Consequently for many of the residents the properties represent their only opportunity to own a home.”

It has been recommended that money be spent on the sea defences before the state of the housing is looked

Kinmel Bay county councillor, Nigel Smith, who chairs the committee, argued that while the council is looking at improving the sea defences in the area it should also seek to include Sandy Cove in the Vibrant and Viable Places regeneration scheme.

He said: “This area is ripe for that type of scheme and it should be put in Sandy Cove. Doing so would be a major step forward for the poor housing in the area. “I disagree that it should not be looked at as well.

“It is up to the committee, however, to decide how they feel this should be dealt with.

“The houses are in very poor state and something needs to be done and it’s something we really have to get to grips with.

“I hope members take on board the conditions of the housing in Sandy Cove and make recommendations that can be acted on in the future.”

But Cllr Elizabeth Roberts, the cabinet member for housing felt the sea defences should be given top priority.

She said: “Whilst empathising with the residents regarding the reported poor housing conditions at Sandy Cove, the priority which appears paramount here is to complete the coastal defence work prior to making any future commitment to improve the properties infrastructure.”