Story Highlight
– Hemsby meeting on sea defences scheduled for November 24.
– Independent report calls for removal of current sea defences.
– £20 million rock berm deemed unaffordable for new defences.
– 30 homes identified at imminent risk of erosion.
– Council secures £1.6 million for relocation support plans.
Full Story
A meeting for local homeowners, businesses, and residents will be convened by the Hemsby Stakeholder Group on Monday, November 24, from 6pm to 7.30pm at Hemsby Village Hall on Waters Lane. The gathering will be chaired by representatives from Great Yarmouth Borough Council and marks a significant opportunity for community engagement following critical concerns regarding coastal erosion in the area.
This meeting comes in the wake of an independent assessment which recommended the removal of existing sea defences at Hemsby Gap, citing significant health and safety hazards associated with these structures. The report also ruled out plans for new sea defences, as the proposed £20 million rock berm—intended to stretch nearly a mile—was labelled financially unfeasible.
Simon Measures, who leads the Save Hemsby Coastline advocacy group, has expressed his desire for the council to heed the voices of local residents rather than simply announce decisions that have already been made. He stressed the importance of a supportive transition for those whose homes may face demolition due to the advancing coast.
“A few weeks ago, the council reached out to around a dozen individuals likely affected,” said Measures. “They employed terms like ‘imminent’ and ‘destruction’, evidently trying to convince residents to relinquish their properties. Since that initial contact about six weeks ago, those residents have heard nothing further. It’s a distressing situation, akin to having an axe suspended above your head.”
Currently, officials from the council have identified approximately 30 homes at serious risk from coastal erosion. They are formulating plans to assist and relocate those residents who may have to leave their homes. These plans include obtaining planning permissions for new “rollback” properties—replacement housing for those displaced by coastal challenges.
The devastation of coastal erosion has been a growing concern, with statistics revealing that 25 homes along Hemsby’s shoreline have already succumbed to the sea since 2013. A spokesperson from Great Yarmouth Borough Council commented, “The Coastal Management team is actively monitoring areas at risk of erosion, including Hemsby, to safeguard the wellbeing of residents. When properties are at imminent risk, we notify occupants promptly and collaborate with them to facilitate safe relocation, offering various assistance options.”
Recent storms, notably Storm Amy and Storm Benjamin, have further highlighted the urgency of proactive coastal management. The council has expressed a commitment to engage constructively with homeowners to avoid future tragedies like those witnessed in recent weeks.
The upcoming meeting will feature representatives from various local and regional organisations, including Hemsby Parish Council, the Crown Estate, and local businesses. The council’s coastal management unit will provide an update on the latest scientific research pertaining to coastal dynamics, climate-related erosion, and their implications for local properties and the surrounding environment, including both beach and dune systems.
Notably, earlier this year, an independent evaluation found that a temporary rock berm installed in 2023, alongside other beach reinforcements, had become ineffective in curbing erosion and could even be worsening conditions in some areas. The findings highlighted public safety risks related to existing beach structures. Consequently, the stakeholder group has resolved to investigate potential alternatives for repurposing or reusing certain assets more effectively.
The council has stated that there will be no removal of sea defences before the following autumn, allowing ample time for further consultation with the community and ongoing dialogues amongst stakeholders. Additionally, the council has obtained £1.6 million in funding aimed at assisting individuals facing the loss of their homes due to erosion, which includes facilitating the transfer of planning rights. This financial support is crucial for residents who might otherwise not benefit from compensation due to current legislative limitations.
As communities on the cusp of the coastline face uncertainty, the gathering at Hemsby Village Hall represents not only a chance to air concerns but also to foster collaborative solutions aimed at addressing the challenges posed by climate change and coastal erosion. Residents are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions, and engage with local officials, as their input will be vital in shaping the future strategies for their community’s coastal resilience.
In a landscape where rising sea levels and extreme weather events are increasingly frequent, the proactive measures discussed at the meeting may set crucial precedents for other coastal areas grappling with similar threats. The collaboration of local councils, community advocacy groups, and residents will be fundamental in navigating the complexities of coastal management as the region seeks to balance environmental preservation with community safety and wellbeing.
This is a difficult situation for residents and the council. With an independent report recommending removal of existing sea defences and significant costs ruling out large scale engineering, practical planning for relocation and support is essential. The £1.6 million secured is a start but will need careful allocation to assist those at imminent risk with housing, moving costs and long term wellbeing. The meeting on November 24 is important for sharing clear information about timelines, legal rights, compensation and available support, and for ensuring residents have a voice in any decisions. It would also be sensible to request updated erosion and flood risk data, a straightforward explanation of why the rock berm is unaffordable, and a clear plan for short term safety measures while relocation is arranged.