OWNERS of a popular seafront attraction in Rhyl are worried that a £43m coastal defence scheme will have a serious impact on their animals.

A planning application has now been lodged for the next stage of Denbighshire County Council’s protection works covering the central part of the promenade from Splash Point to the Drift Park.

A consultation exercise was held earlier this year but the owners of the SeaQuarium say the scheme has been rushed through without enough thought having been given to the environmental, social and economic effects.

SeaQuarium, which occupies a prominent site opposite the High Street, attracted 64,000 visitors in 2019 and is featured in numerous North Wales advertising campaigns. One of its most recent and popular features is Seal Cove.

The owners, SeaQuarium Ltd, have objected to the scheme, which is expected to take two and a half years to complete, though they agree that with climate change and rising sea levels coastal defence work is needed.

However, through their agents Laister, they say it has been brought forward prematurely and without due consideration for the impact of the underwater and airborne noise, dust and vibration.

“As a result, SeaQuarium’s animals’ welfare is at risk of being compromised,” they say.

One fear is that if the seals’ sleep and rest is disturbed they could become aggressive towards the keepers, and so they will probably have to be found a temporary home, causing further problems.

“While the proposal would be to the long-term benefit of the town, as currently submitted they would also be to the detriment of the tourism offer of Rhyl,” said Laisters.

Consultants Mott MacDonald, on behalf of contractors Balfour Beatty, accept that there could be some impact on the seals and fish but say that mitigation steps will be taken.

“Construction methodology and programme is currently being reviewed to better understand the impact on the SeaQuarium and its environment, including potential use of quieter construction plant, adjusting the time of the works and the use of noise barriers to control airborne noise,” they say.