NORTH Somerset Council will be considering potential changes to The Beach in Clevedon, despite it being a "huge challenge" in the council's current financial climate.

The council's executive will meet on Wednesday, March 27 to discuss the changes following an independent review of the Clevedon Seafront and Hill Road Public Realm scheme. This was completed by consultants AECOM.

The public expressed concerns around safety and accessibility.

The report supported improvements made to Hill Road and the new one-way system but suggested changes to The Beach.

The council will explore whether to progress with and fund up to £425,000 of changes to The Beach.

This could include the:

  • Re-introduction of sea facing parking;
  • Retention of the one-way system with a contraflow cycle lane;
  • Removal of the two-way cycle path and wavy line;
  • Installation of loading bays and a coach drop off point;
  • Adjustment of the roundabout to provide a standard mini roundabout;
  • Improved pedestrian crossing points;
  • Introduction of vehicular access to the Promenade for boats and ice cream van;
  • Repositioning of planters;
  • Improved lineage and signage to support the one-way system.

Clevedon councillors, key stakeholders and businesses have given their feedback, which has been built into proposals.

Cllr Hannah Young, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for highways, said: "These changes support the findings of the independent review which was commissioned following concerns from residents and businesses in the town.

"We have listened to the community and the consultants and we plan to reinstate the sea facing parking, remove the two-way cycle path and move and enlarge the roundabout.

"Funding these changes is going to be a huge challenge in our current financial climate but we are committed to completing the work as soon as possible with minimal impact on the businesses in the area.

"The council tries hard to respond to community concerns and balances the different priorities it faces across towns and parishes. Clevedon seafront has been a key priority for the Clevedon community. The changes proposed are a priority because they focus on safety or addressing disability access issues."

If given the go-ahead, the cost of the changes will be met from a variety of funding streams, including Section 106 money from developments, Local Transport Plan funding, council reserves and residual funding from the allocation towards the Great Lakes project.

Work could start in the autumn with possible completion before the end of 2024.