Agenda item

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The Board received a presentation from the Assistant Director for Environment and Planning and the Flood and Water Management Officer on the interim and long-term capital coastal defence programme for Hunstanton. Members were provided with an update on the current condition of the coastal defences, ongoing monitoring work, proposed interim protection measures, funding arrangements and the development of a permanent capital scheme.

The Board was advised that the Wash East Coastal Management Strategy (WECAMS) review covered the coastline from Hunstanton Cliffs to Snettisham. It was noted that the Borough Council was responsible for Units A and B, with responsibility for areas further south resting with the Environment Agency (Unit C). The Board were informed that the review would continue until 2028 and would replace the existing coastal management plan, helping to inform future investment decisions, climate change adaptation measures and long-term standards of protection.

The Flood and Water Management Officer presented evidence from Environment Agency monitoring which indicated that sediment previously moving south from the North Norfolk coast was now accumulating offshore, reducing the replenishment of sand along the Hunstanton frontage and contributing to beach erosion. Members noted that survey information, LIDAR data, beach-level monitoring and structural inspections showed increasing exposure of defence foundations, although it was recognised that similar beach conditions had been recorded historically.

The Board noted that routine monitoring and maintenance activities continued, including weekly visual inspections, beach-level surveys, structural monitoring and ground-penetrating radar investigations. Members were advised that the annual maintenance budget of approximately £180,000 had been exceeded due to the deteriorating condition of the defences.

The Flood and Water Management Officer informed Members that sections of the seawall between the Rock Shop slipway and beyond the Pier Head building had experienced early structural movement following the exposure of over one metre of sheet piling. To address this, an interim scheme involving the placement of approximately 10,000 tonnes of granite rock armour over a 200-metre section of shoreline was proposed to provide temporary stabilisation while a permanent solution was developed.

In response to the Chair, Councillor Beales, the Assistant Director for Environment and Planning explained that South Bay Civil Engineering had been identified to undertake the works, with Fairhurst responsible for engineering design and securing the necessary permissions. In response to concerns raised by Members, it was noted that the rock armour would be transported by road and that construction was expected to take place over approximately 10 to 12 weeks during low tide periods. The estimated cost of the interim scheme was reported as £2 million, including contingency provision, with part-funding secured through CIL and the remaining contribution to be provided by the Borough Council.

The Board received an update on the proposed permanent coastal defence capital works scheme, which is expected to include replacement of the promenade deck and strengthening and replacement of sections of the seawall. Members were advised that preliminary estimates indicated significant investment would be required, with design and construction costs continuing to be refined as the project progressed.

In response to Councillor Beales and Long, the Flood and Water Management Officer explained that the first tranche of eligible works could potentially be fully funded through Flood Defence Grant in Aid (costs up to £3 million), with further grant support of up to 90% available for costs above that £3 million threshold. The remainder of funding required would need to be covered by the Borough Council or other appropriate funds. Members noted that the interim rock armour scheme was being funded separately to avoid prejudicing future grant funding opportunities for the main capital scheme, as funding can only be sought once.

The Board noted that the initial phase of the project, including economic analysis, intrusive investigations and procurement activities, had been completed. The next phase would focus on outline design, option appraisal and development of the outline business case. Subject to funding approvals, detailed design, statutory consents and procurement activities would follow in advance of the proposed construction phase.

Members were advised that planning permission and a marine licence were being pursued through the normal regulatory process as part of the detailed design phase.

The Flood and Water Management Officer explained that relevant regulatory bodies had determined that emergency powers were not applicable at the present time for the interim works because the seawall had not experienced a structural failure. Enhanced monitoring arrangements were therefore in place, and any significant deterioration would prompt further discussions with the relevant agencies. In response to the Chair, Councillor Beales, the Flood and Waste Management Officer advised that the delivery of the interim works would not affect the Council's ability to pursue future grant funding for the permanent scheme.

The Board noted that vehicle access restrictions remained in place on sections of the promenade due to their condition. Members were informed that construction traffic associated with the interim works would utilise suitable lighter vehicles and that any temporary impacts to access infrastructure would be addressed as part of the works.

During discussion, Councillor Long sought assurances regarding the design of the proposed rock armour and the potential impact of wave action. In response to Councillor Long, the Flood and Water Management Officer explained that the design had been amended to utilise larger rocks of up to three tonnes in weight to minimise movement and improve stability. It was noted that wider environmental and engineering impacts would be assessed through the planning and marine licensing processes.

The Assistant Director for Environment and Planning advised that arrangements were being finalised for additional project management support following the retirement of a key officer.

In discussing the proposed interim works, Members emphasised that the Council's approach was guided by the need to protect public safety. Whilst the works were not classified as emergency works for regulatory purposes, the Board noted the importance of taking preventative action to address the deteriorating condition of the coastal defences and safeguard the seafront infrastructure pending delivery of the permanent scheme.

Members noted that stakeholder engagement would continue throughout the project and would include elected Members, local businesses, residents, Hunstanton Town Council and other interested parties. Regular communications, stakeholder meetings and public updates would be used to support engagement as the project progressed.