Councils adopt 100-year strategy for managing flooding and erosion in Christchurch Bay and Harbour
The new joint strategy outlines how coastal flood and erosion risk will be managed over the next 100 years
A new joint strategy to tackle coastal flood and erosion risks affecting Christchurch Bay and Harbour has been adopted by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and New Forest District Council.
The Christchurch Bay and Harbour FCERM Strategy, developed with input from the Environment Agency and consultants AECOM, outlines how coastal flood and erosion risk will be managed over the next 100 years from Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to Hurst Spit,
According to BCP council the strategy highlights how ageing coastal defences and climate change-driven factors, such as rising sea levels, put over 3,500 properties at risk from coastal flooding or being lost to erosion.
BCP Council added that if no action is taken around £1 billion in damages is estimated.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “This is a major milestone and is the first time a cohesive strategy has been adopted for this stretch of coastline. It recommends where and by when (in specified time periods) schemes should be implemented and how much they may cost.
"Importantly, the strategy ensures that works carried out in one area would have no detrimental effect on another and provides opportunities to enhance the environment.
“The value of damages is not designed to alarm people but enables us to evidence and justify available options to ‘do something’ to minimise the risks to people, properties, infrastructure and open spaces. With backing from the Environment Agency, it also allows us to bid for government funding rather than relying solely on councils’ limited resources as has happened in the past.”
Councillor Geoffrey Blunden, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability at New Forest District Council, added: “The strategy recommends an adaptive pathway with up to three flexible options for each area; a National Economic option, a Local Aspirational option which was developed using public views and which tends to be the costliest to deliver, and a Back-up option if funding cannot be secured.
“Although there is no guarantee of achieving 100% government funding for the scheme options, the strategy options provide flexibility at the time of delivery, depending on the funding available. Any shortfalls will not default to the Council, rather it gives clarity for seeking funding support from partners and / or impacted communities. By working together to manage the risks, we intend to ensure that future generations will be able to continue to enjoy the coastline.”