Agenda item

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The Environment Agency representatives gave a presentation on the Wash East Coast Management Strategy (WECMS) to the Panel.

Phillipa Hulme from the Environment Agency explained the policy hierarchy including the Shoreline Management Plans (SMP), funding group and stakeholder group.

Phillipa Hulme highlighted which part of the Wash East Coast were Unit A, B and C. Units A was Hunstanton Cliffs, Unit B was Hunstanton Town and Unit C was South Hunstanton to Wolferton Creek. She explained the SMP policies and timeline for Units A, B and C.

She explained the current management approach which included annual beach recycling, intermittent beach recharge and ongoing beach monitoring. She brought to the Panel’s attention the key challenges with this management approach, which was ridge mobility and beach recharge consequently a review had taken place.

George Fuhrman from the Environment Agency highlighted key conclusions which included the Wash East Coast Management Strategy (WECMS), economic trigger for change which had been met although the environmental and evacuation trigger had not been met. He added further key conclusions where annual beach recycling was effective and sustainable and human activity and damage on the ridge needed to be limited.

George Fuhrman outlined the WECMS review which included stakeholder engagement, environmental impact assessments, climate change allowances, funding calculations, coastal processes and the standard of protection provided by the defences.

He explained the WECMS review timeline to the Panel along with the engagement which had taken place. He added the key takeaway messages were that the challenges were unique and complex. Engagement with the community and other partners would continue throughout the process and the primary defence, damage to and human activity on the ridge needed to be limited to allow it to perform its flood risk function.

The Environmental Health Manager added as part of the engagement the drop-in sessions were well attended and positively received.

The Chair thanked the representatives from the Environment Agency for the report and invited questions from the Panel.

Councillor Long commented a no regret clause in the policy plan should be inherited going forward. He added there was records of King’s Lynn Conservancy Board which highlighted what had happened in and around the Wash. He sought clarification on if it was correct material from the Wash was adding to the defences instead of eroding and nature was providing barriers already.

George Fuhrman clarified the trend of the Wash was accretion rather than erosion.

Phillipa Hulme commented she was not aware there was a no regret clause previously or the data of the wash available however the WECMS review was the focus.

Councillor Long commented further it was positive to know there was accretion and welcomed the Wash East Coast Management Strategy.

The Environmental Health Manager commented overall there was accretion however unit A, the Hunstanton Cliffs & Unit B Hunstanton Sea Defences were suffering with erosion.

Councillor Kemp sought clarification on the timescales and why it would take until 2027/2028. She further commented it could be done cheaper and quicker using compute software. She referred to the floods in 1953 and stated a permanent solution was needed such as concrete barriers.

Phillipa Hulme explained it would take until 2027/2028 as it was a collaborative exercise and wanted the best option to be achieved. She added stakeholders’ input was encouraged and the ridge was growing which resulted in further defence.

George Fuhrman added further all defence options were being considered and work would continue after the deadline dates which had been specified.

The Vice-Chair, Councillor Devulapalli thanked officers for the report and asked how the houses on the ridge had been affected and how these residents were being contacted.

Phillipa Hulme explained to the Panel the data showed the ridge had been strengthened and this was a slow process however a few houses had been affected in parts of Heacham. She added due to the slow process there was no imminent need to relocate residents from these houses. She clarified in terms of communication with residents, there was engagement with the community to protect the ridge which included an option of putting notice boards up to discourage residents from walking along the ridge, along with strong enforcement presence within the area.

Councillor Bullen asked how many occasions enforcement had been needed and if vehicles were permitted on the ridge.

Phillipa Hulme confirmed enforcement had not been needed officially and there had been a positive response to engagement.

George Fuhrman confirmed vehicles were not allowed on the ridge.

Councillor Long explained his understanding on why concrete defences would not work due to a technical reason.

Phillipa Hulme provided further reasons why a concrete defence would not be effective and that different options needed to be considered.

Councillor Colwell commented on an experience where public damage had been caused to the ridge and encouraged the public if this was seen to be reported for enforcement action to be taken. He added he felt residents would be reassured with Wash East Coast Management Strategy.

Phillipa Hulme encouraged the public to contact the Environment Agency if they had concerns or questions.

Councillor Squire, Portfolio Holder thanked the officers from the Environment Agency for the report. She encouraged engagement from residents, and it was important to give time for this to be done correctly. She added residents were provided with reassurance and stressed the importance of preventing the public from walking along the ridge.

Councillor Long proposed a recommendation to Cabinet which was second by Councillor Kunes.

RECOMMENDATION: The Environment and Community Panel noted the progress and supports the future work on the Wash East Coast Management Strategy and encouraged the process being carried out for the future management of the shoreline.