Agenda item

To receive an update on coastal services.

The Panel received a presentation updating them on the coastal services work, which has been attached to the minutes as an Appendix.

Two FCERM (Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management) strategies were being developed in the District; the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Strategy and the Hurst Spit to Lymington. These strategies would consider current and future flood and erosion risk over the next 100 years, as a result of the impacts of climate change. Covering the NFDC coastal frontage from the boundary with BCP Council through to the eastern side of Lymington River.  It was recognised that work would be carried out collaboratively so that the coastal frontage could be sustainably managed to protect communities and the natural environment, subject to funding availability.

The Panel noted that an engagement exercise and development of an options appraisal was being carried out in relation to the strategies.  It was anticipated these would be completed in 2024 and would require adoption by the District Council and the Environment Agency.

Maintenance work in Milford on Sea was being carried out to repair three timber groynes and beach recharge was planned to commence early October (subject to receipt of the appropriate licence).  The purpose of the beach recharge was to raise the beach levels and provide protection to the sea wall as a result of longshore drift.  This would also reduce the height difference from the promenade to the beach level and cover any exposed metal due to the beach lowering.  Members noted that works had been completed over the summer in order to remove any exposed metal.

Further maintenance work was proposed to be carried out at Calshot in early 2023 to replace the timber piles and recycle the material from the activity centre back onto the spit.

Three capital projects were highlighted to the Panel:

Handrails at Milford on Sea:  This was out to tender.  The beach level had reduced and there was a drop of 2.5 metres to the beach.  Beach recycling would also help to reduce this drop. The District Council as the local landowner had a duty of care to assess the risk and mitigate against accidents.

Barton on Sea drainage trials: A consultant would be appointed to design the drainage works.  Following this a procurement process would be undertaken to install the drainage scheme and to monitor the groundwater levels.

Hurst Spit North Point:  This would recycle material from North Point to the main spit and the castle area.  Work would be carried out in late 2022/2023.

Members noted that where the District Council owned land close to the open sea and the duty to review and risk assess the safety of these areas.  This included Calshot, Hordle, Milford on Sea and Barton.  A Coastal Water Safety Policy was proposed to be developed and presented at a future meeting. 

Members questioned whether a Water Safety Policy should be considered for rivers as well as the coastal areas and it was noted that this would be picked up separately.

The Panel discussed the movement of material along the coastline and how this had changed over time.  It was recognised that the feed of material from the west had reduced with coastal protection.  Any approach to managing the coastline needed to be carried out in a sustainable way, this would be through the two ongoing coastal strategies.