logoSave our Selsey

Campaign for Coastal Defence

PRESS RELEASE: COAST DEFENCE STRATEGY - ENVIRONMENT AGENCY AMENDS ITS PROPOSALS

The Environment Agency has proposed some revisions to its draft Coast Defence Strategy, in a report just released[1].

As part of the Pagham to East Head Coast Defence Strategy (PEHCDS) the Environment Agency (EA) carried out a consultation with local people and stakeholders on its draft PEHCDS proposals. As the Manhood’s largest coast defence group, SOS responded to the consultation.

The EA has now reported back on the results of this consultation, and indicated how it has amended the draft PEHCDS to take account of the responses it received. A newsletter has been sent to local residents but it is only a very simple summary of the full report.

Richard Dearsley, Chairman of SOS, comments: “In the full report, the Agency has taken note of our comments, and made some welcome amendments to the Strategy – for example, a proposed sea defence north of Selsey to protect the town being hit by flooding from Pagham Harbour. 

However, we’re disappointed that a strong, clear case to protect Medmerry Cliffs has not been made. We believe the EA is constrained here by Natural England (NE), which has a veto over policy that affects geological features such as the Cliffs. The NE policy is to let such cliffs erode, to ensure fresh “exposure” of the geology - even if this means homes and businesses are lost as a result, and that ultimately the cliffs disappear! We think this is crazy and that the EA should be free to suggest a policy that defends property and preserves the cliffs. We hope the EA is given the opportunity in the final stages of the Strategy to do this. 

Meanwhile, you must remember that unless we can get the money to pay for coast defences, nothing will be done. Without funding, the Strategy is just an expensive wish list. The Agency says that government funding for Selsey’s urban frontages (i.e. the existing sea wall) is unlikely and it could be down to “local community funding”.  SOS considers this is the next phase that needs serious consideration and must involve the whole community.  Who will pay and how much?”

To defend urban Selsey over the next 100 years the PEHCDS estimated we would need a fund of £30-£40m set aside now. SOS says coast defence is a government responsibility and local people should not be left to pick up the tab. 

However, it also recognises that we will have to be proactive in the search for funding because time is running out for our coast defences. For example, the recent Going Dutch conference resurrected the old idea of a small harbour at East Beach, to provide year-round shelter for our fishing boats and lifeboat, as well as protecting the sea wall. SOS believes creativity will be needed to find ways of funding essential coast defences.

End.

   06/11/08   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information contact Richard Dearsley (607473)

  [1] www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations (follow link to Pagham to East Head Coastal Defence Strategy, consultation report)