A FLOOD defence scheme at a golf club in Rhyl would protect as many as 2,100 homes in a neighbouring town.

Denbighshire County Council is working with Rhyl Golf Club on the Central Prestatyn Coastal Defence Scheme following a study that showed some sea defences that protect Prestatyn are in a poor condition.

The proposals include building set back defences with new flood embankment around the perimeter of the golf course, situated on the border of Rhyl and Prestatyn.

“Rising sea levels and bigger storms caused by climate change will result in waves overwhelming the defences more often," said Cllr Brian Jones, lead member for waste, transport and environment.

“Without improvements to the sea defences, the risk of coastal flooding faced by homes and businesses in Prestatyn is likely to increase in future.

The local authority said any potential scheme would be dependent on evidence of the economic, social and environmental impacts as well as approval of funding from Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council.

The scheme would also need planning permission, with any planning application involving a public consultation period.

A tidal surge in 2013 flooded numerous homes near the golf club, causing major upheaval and property damage. Work had been carried out to prevent blockages to channels that direct floodwater away from the houses and the golf course has been bunded in order to provide a holding area in the event of a major flood event.

Rhyl Golf Club currently has more than 20 years remaining on its land lease from the council and is involved in the process to find solutions to disruption that may be caused during the construction phase.

Mike Pritchard, spokesperson for Rhyl Golf Club, said: “We are pleased that the future of Rhyl Golf Club has now been resolved. The last 12 months have been worrying for all connected to the Club but, through continuous discussions with the Council and reviews of the plans, we can now look forward to many more years of golf at one of the oldest clubs in Wales.

“We will see very minimal disruption under the work plan and we will be able to play golf throughout the work, culminating in a slight reshaping of the course - which will bring new, positive golfing challenges to members and guests alike."

Work to create additional beach access in Rhyl as part of a £27million the East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme got underway last September and is expected to be completed by December 2022.

The scheme, funded by the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council, is expected to protect 1,650 properties from future severe weather events.