THE full cost of preventing the destruction of Scarborough’s sea defences has soared to £221 million.

The height of many of the old sea walls is insufficient to prevent severe wave overtopping which causes damage to the promenades and adjacent area, presenting a serious risk to public safety.

The figure, for the Scarborough Holbeck to Scalby Mills Coastal Defence Strategy, was put forward in an annual report to Scarborough Council by Cllr Andrew Backhouse, its portfolio holder for coastal defences.

Cllr Backhouse added the strategy was due for “imminent” approval by the Environment Agency.

The council has adopted a policy of “holding the line” on the sea defences between Holbeck and Scalby Mills, including the Sea Life Centre, North Bay Cliffs, Clarence Gardens, The Holms, Foreshore Road, South Cliff Gardens, Rose Garden, South Bay Pool and Holbeck Gardens.

The one exception to this is along the Spa and Spa Chalet frontage where an ‘advance the line’ policy could be adopted, potentially leading to a new sea wall being built in front of the existing wall, which would then be protected by rock armour. Work to protect the sea wall, buildings and cliffs along South Cliff is estimated to cost tens of millions of pounds.

But experts have suggested a further £162 million may need to be spent on various schemes to be covered by Government grants. Consultant Royal Haskoning has begun site investigations as part of a three-year feasibility study around the Spa Complex, funded by a £600,000 grant from the Environment Agency.

Cllr Backhouse said: “We have to protect the coastline to keep the unique character of Scarborough, but not in such a way that is ‘cold’ or industrial. Whatever we do has to be sympathetic to the area.”
Work will take place in two stages, the second of which will only start once further funding is approved by the Environment Agency.

Story in the Scarborough Evening News