PLANS for a 1.1km headland link between Penarth and Cardiff Bay have been revealed to the public for the first time.

A meeting took place at Penarth Pier Pavilion on Tuesday where members of the Penarth Headland Link Group presented their proposals.

The group consists of members with years of experience in law, finance and engineering.

Business consultant and Cardiff and Vale health board member Brendan Sadka welcomed those in attendance and said the high turn out was reflective of the high level of interest in the project.

He thanked various people and businesses who had helped the group so far including the Vale council, the Pier Pavilion, Cardiff council, students from the engineering and businesses departments of Cardiff University and Penarth-based consultants Soltys Brewster.

The plan is to create a 6-6.5 metres wide path for walkers, cyclists and the disabled, for less than half the cost of a previously failed scheme in 2007.

It has been partly inspired by a similar project which was undertaken in New Zealand, with the aim to reduce coastal erosion by using large quarried rocks as a barrier to the sea.

The pathway will be set under the contours of the cliff in a low section to minimise the impact on the view for residents and it is hoped that most of the construction activity will be based on the other side of the headland.

David Trotman, the former director of Penarth Pier Pavilion, is heading up the public engagement, communications and funding aspects of the project.

He presented the idea to those in attendance saying it would have benefits in terms of increased tourism footfall, which would lead to economic advantages for the town's businesses.

The group are also looking into the provision of car parking space and retail outlets at the Esplanade side of the walkway.

Mr Trotman also highlighted the potential educational value it could have in terms of teaching young people about geology and the natural world.

He said: "We have also thought about the benefits to the health and well being of local people by encouraging walking and cycling. This is not just a project for now but something for our children well into the future

"We also believe this provides the missing link on the Wales Coastal Path."

Plans and artist impressions were on display and a question an answer session was held after the presentation for the public to voice their support and queries.

Concerns were raised by an audience member about the safety of the cliff with the potential for regular rockfalls.

The response was that the intention is to place the path 15 metres away from the cliff at its safest points and at about 25 metres away at points deemed most risky.

No time scale for an official start has been given because they are still at an "explorative stage" for the scheme and there are legal, financial and planning processes still to be undertaken.

A multi-stream funding approach is to be adopted and the group hopes to start in the new year with potential support from local authorities and the Welsh Government.

The group are also looking into the provision of car parking space and retail outlets at the Esplanade side of the walkway.

Another public meeting will be held in Cardiff in the new year as the project aims to "bring communities together."