OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

17/06/21: Good news on the future of Rhyl Golf Club. The official joint statement from Denbighshire County Council and Rhyl Golf Club:

“Denbighshire County Council is working with Rhyl Golf Club about a proposal for a potential flood defence scheme which would protect around 2,100 properties in Prestatyn. The Council has carried out a study which has shown some sea defences that protect Prestatyn are in a poor condition. 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, and any planning application will be proceeded by a full public consultation.

Cllr Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “The Central Prestatyn Coastal Defence Scheme focuses on the area of most immediate concern, adjacent to Rhyl Golf Club. Rising sea levels and bigger storms caused by climate change will result in waves overwhelming the defences more often. Without improvements to the sea defences, the risk of coastal flooding faced by homes and businesses in Prestatyn is likely to increase in future. Proposals for the scheme involve building set back defences, in the form of a new flood embankment around the perimeter of Rhyl Golf Course, and will help to protect more than 2,100 properties in Prestatyn. The council is working with Rhyl Golf Club, who currently have more than 20 years remaining on their lease on that land from the council. We are working together to ensure disruption to the club would be minimised during construction of any scheme, and to ensure the club can continue to function after completion of the scheme.”

Mike Pritchard, speaking on behalf of 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.”