THE Vale of Glamorgan Council has outlined plans to engage with the community on how to improve Penarth Esplanade.

A consultancy period was announced in June after public opposition to plans to remove the restaurant seating on the highway on the Esplanade, which was introduced during the Covid pandemic.

This means that the seating on the highway, which is blocking car park spaces, will remain on a month-by-month basis until a more permanent decision is made.

However, the consultancy was met with a mixed response, with some saying the council was not clear enough, particularly in regards to how residents could have their opinions heard.

The council moved to clear up any confusion by outlining what residents can expect in the coming weeks.

Starting this week, the council said it will conduct online polls and an 'opportunity for people to share their thoughts online'.

This referenced opportunity has not been made entirely clear, but there will be a physical 'ideas board' in place at Penarth Pier Pavillion from Wednesday, August 17.

These initial engagement attempts will inform a more formal survey and a series of in-person engagement events that will be held in the early autumn.

More specific plans will be developed in response to feedback, which the council hopes will be consulted on at the end of the year.

Cllr Lis Burnett, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "Penarth seafront has changed in recent years.

"Investment into the pier, roads, pavement, and street lighting has improved the look of the resort.

"While new opportunities for cafes and restaurants to trade and the reopening of the Pavilion and Kymin have changed the feel.

"We now want to go further and continue to develop the seafront into a thriving year-round resort and a unique place to live.

"The Vale of Glamorgan Council will be working closely with Penarth Town Council and wants to hear from as many people as possible.

"We are very deliberately not presenting any plans for the seafront at this early stage.

"The next phase of Penarth’s development should be led by those that have made the Esplanade such a success in recent years.

"That’s why we are starting a conversation with local residents, groups and businesses to help shape our future plans.

"We have today written directly to all seafront businesses and residents.

"All views are welcome at this stage and these will be gathered online as well as in person.

"As our programme of engagement progresses, we will be also be seeking the views of other local traders and community groups, as well as those of Penarth residents.

"As themes emerge from these initial conversations, we will look to expand these into a plan to support the continued development of a thriving seafront for all."