Residents in Thorpeness say conversations around sea defences have come too late
It's as five houses have been demolished due to coastal erosion with eight more at risk
Residents in Thorpeness facing the possible demolition of their homes say discussions about sea defences and flood risk are happening “too late”, as rapid coastal erosion puts properties at immediate risk.
Tim Crisp, who owns a flat near the eroding cliffs, has recently moved out all of his possessions.
“We’re actually being told that we need to ready the flat to clear it in case there’s any more severe weather, which might trigger a demolition order,” he said. “So it feels grey, it feels… miserable. It feels very depressing, the whole process.”
Mr Crisp said the speed of recent erosion has made the situation feel imminent.
“It’s heartbreaking, we had such a lovely vision for how we were going to spend the next sort of 25, 30 years, and that’s just been taken away,” he said.
"It feels too late”
He said residents were warned last summer that demolition could eventually be necessary, but believed they would have more time.
“We thought maybe we’ve got at least a year, two years just to sort of maximise our enjoyment from the place and maybe there can be discussions that can take place that might give us more time in terms of sea defences,” he said. “Those discussions… are happening at a real pace now, but it feels like the horse has bolted. It feels too late.”
Mr Crisp said residents had repeatedly raised concerns that the loss of the cliffs could increase flood risk to the wider village, including Old Thorpeness.
“The council… just looked at historical data, the flood risk is as the Environment Agency say, but no, the flood risk is going to change because of the loss of coastline,” he said. “And that’s something we have been saying, and I just wish the council had engaged with that.”
He said talks with the Environment Agency and other bodies are now taking place, but residents are facing immediate decisions about stripping out their homes without knowing if they will be allowed back.
When asked whether he felt supported, he said: “I think the answer has to be no. I think the council look like they want to support us, but there hasn’t been any tangible evidence of it… for us, it just feels like it’s the end of the road and we weren’t really given any other option.”
"Residents’ safety and wellbeing is of paramount"
East Suffolk Council said it understands how distressing the situation is for residents and that safety must come first.
In a statement, the council said: “We entirely understand what a deeply distressing time this is for property owners who are suffering a genuinely devastating experience. Alongside other agencies and the local MP, our teams have been working closely with all those who were likely to be affected, providing them with comprehensive support and a range of information about what to expect.”
The council said this has been “an ongoing, two-way dialogue since the early months of 2025”.
It added: “Ultimately, residents’ safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance and while we know how upsetting it is to receive news like this, demolition becomes the only option for properties which are likely to fall into the sea.”
The authority said it normally aims for a gradual process, but recent erosion has forced faster action.
“Ideally, this is a gradual process which allows the homeowner sufficient time to arrange the demolition and remove their possessions in a safe and dignified manner,” the statement said. “However, the erosion at North End Avenue over the past two weeks has been sudden and significant, and communication has been a priority throughout to ensure property owners understand their options.”
“There is this conversation that’s happening now that there is a… potentially increased risk of flooding,” he said. “The Environment Agency may well come to agree with that over the next few days. I don’t know what the outcomes of that will be… but I don’t feel we’ve got time to make that decision.”
Helping with Demolition Costs - £330,000
East Suffolk Council has today confirmed that it will continue to provide funding to support Thorpeness homeowners faced with the cost of demolishing their homes due to coastal erosion.
The Council has been in regular dialogue with property owners and has previously provided reassurance about the availability of funding to meet the costs. Now, the Council has confirmed that it will ensure all costs are met, so that those affected are not left out of pocket at a deeply distressing time.
The Council will now seek support with the reimbursement of these costs from the Government and Environment Agency via their Coastal Erosion Assistance Grant scheme.
The total demolition costs are expected to be in the region of £330,000, and the Council will provide the additional funding through its reserves. The Council has acted quickly to formally agree this decision, ensuring that funding can be delivered immediately.
Cllr Mark Packard, Cabinet Member for Planning and Coastal Management said, “Property owners are suffering a genuinely devastating experience, and our teams have been working closely with those affected throughout. The issue of demolition costs has been a grave concern to them, and we have always sought to provide reassurance.
“However, the erosion in recent weeks has occurred at such an unprecedented rate that a decision has been taken to immediately ensure costs are covered in the short term. This is a tragedy for property-owners; however, we are able to address one of the most worrying elements of this upsetting situation.”
Mr Crisp said he hopes the current crisis will lead to stronger protection for the rest of Thorpeness, even if it comes too late for his own home.
He added: “Thorpeness is a place that’s close to my heart and has been since I was a child and I would love to help where I can… for sure.