Elmer flood and coastal erosion risk management scheme
Updated 29 August 2018
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Background
The shoreline at Elmer, West Sussex has a range of coastal defences such as the offshore rock breakwaters (islands), shingle beaches and rock revetment. These are in place to protect local people and properties from the risk of flooding and erosion from the sea.
Some of these coastal defences (particularly the shingle beach in front of Elmer Sands Boating and Angling Club) are at risk from breach (breaking) and wave overtopping (water passing over the top), especially during stormy weather. This means that the land behind the defences is at risk from flooding and coastal erosion if they are not improved.
The shoreline view from Elmer at low tide. Offshore breakwaters and rock revetment.
The scheme
The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Arun District Council and Elmer Sands Limited to improve the coastal defences at Elmer, to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion to people and property. They have also been working closely with representatives of Elmer Sands Limited, so that they can include local feedback into their plans where possible.
The Environment Agency has identified a ‘preferred option’ which is designed to better protect 325 properties from flooding and coastal erosion for the next 50 years, with an estimated cost over this time of £6.4 million. The preferred option involves extending the existing rock revetment (rock wall) eastwards just beyond the Elmer Rife (approximately 165 metres). It also includes repair work to the existing rock revetment and the addition of shingle (recharge) to some of the bays along the beach.
Community engagement
The Environment Agency held public information events in August 2018. The exhibition boards that were displayed can be viewed on the Arun District Council website. The Environment Agency will continue to speak to the local community as the scheme progresses.
Contact
For more information about the scheme, please contact the West Sussex Partnership and Strategic Overview team at the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm), or email: floodrisksussex@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Postal address:
Environment Agency
Guildbourne House
Chatsworth Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1LD