The Environment Agency has opted to flood Medmerry and move its sea defence boundaries over the next 100 years to prevent further risks of flooding.

The proposal was made in the East Head to Pagham draft coastal defence strategy released today by the EA.

Medmerry has been badly hit by storms in recent years, with some properties already crumbling under the sea’s grip.

The EA outlined in its draft strategy it would work with landowners to define new defence lines and locate where it could create a new space for a new tidal habitat.

James Humphrys, Solent and South Downs area manager for the EA, said it recognised the threat of flooding and erosion, but central government funding was limited.

“We cannot prevent all flooding and erosion. The storm back in March that washed away the shingle beach at Medmerry and flooded the caravan site was a stark reminder for us all,” he said (more…)

Dutch experts on sea defence are to be asked to consider suggestions from residents of the Manhood peninsula about how best to protect their homes from the ravages of the waves.

A ‘Going Dutch II’ workshop, which has now been confirmed will be run by the Manhood Peninsula Partnership next month, is designed to bring international experts and local people together to look at ways to deal with the issue of coastal defences in the area.

The workshop coincides with a consultation period for a new draft coastal defence strategy being prepared by the Environment Agency and Chichester and Arun District Councils.

But participants at the workshop will also consider other options to tackle the problem, and organisers are looking for ideas from the Manhood community. (more…)