Recommendations for Barton, Taddiford and Milford in the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy backed by NFDC

A STRATEGY tackling coastal erosion and flooding has been given the support of members of New Forest District Council.

As reported in the A&T, more than 1,200 coastal New Forest properties will be at risk of erosion in the next 100 years unless action is taken.

Figures also show nearly 140 homes are at risk of flooding as well, with the effects of both estimated to cause economic damages of nearly £400 million.

NFDC’s place and sustainability overview and scrutiny panel discussed the issues highlighted in the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy report.

The strategy has been jointly developed by NFDC, BCP Council and the Environment Agency, and covers Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to the western end of Hurst Spit at Milford.

The latest report highlighted three ‘strategic zones’ affected, with 661 properties in Milford, 597 at Barton and one at Taddiford at risk of erosion, with 139 at Milford at risk of flooding.

The strategy outlines measures to deal with the risks, which are predicted to affect the area up to 2124.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Peter Armstrong praised the “excellent” report to members and said when funding for the recommended work is sought, the “substantial plan” would hold weight.

He added: “King Canute didn’t do much in stopping the tide, and I’m not sure we are going to, but this report gives so many ways in which we can seek to prevent coastal erosion.”

Cllr Malcolm Wade said while he “accepted” the report, more should be done on the eastern side of the Forest, from Lymington to Redbridge.

“It is all very well protecting houses in Barton-on-Sea and I totally support that, but when everyone in Fawley, Hythe and Dibden is knee-deep in sea water, we won’t think it’s funny.

“We need a strategy for the east of the New Forest. As a local authority, if we are going to have a strategy for one coastline, we should have one for the other.”

Cllr Adam Parker questioned why a “do nothing” approach had been suggested for Taddiford, when clifftop erosion in the area was “quite considerable”.

However, members agreed to recommend the strategy for approval to the cabinet, which meets on 7th August.

The report explains that at Barton, the main risk is from erosion, the report said, with “a complex cliff” where it is “unlikely to be possible to completely stop erosion”.

However, the report recommends managed realignment to improve defences, stability and drainage. This would “slow rates” of erosion but “not stop it entirely”. These measures would cost an estimated £22 million.

Taddiford, between Barton and Hordle cliff, is “currently undefended” the report said, with no flooding risk and “minimal properties” at risk of erosion. This being the case, a ‘do nothing’ approach was recommended, with “health and safety activities” taking place, if appropriate, after cliff erosion events.

In Milford, the key issue is “management of beach levels”, the report stated, adding: “There has been a recent trend of beach erosion that has increased the pressure on the defences at the back of the beach.

“Here a beach is required to protect the toe of the existing seawall and in the past low beach levels have contributed to seawall failures.”

The leading options focused on managing the beach levels through “periodic nourishment and larger scale beach nourishment schemes”.

It was recommended Milford’s seawall be upgraded, with new groynes built, and tidal flood defences constructed at the eastern end to reduce flooding from Sturt Pond. The leading options for Milford would cost an estimated £24.5 million.

The report explained that, without action, amenity and recreation land would be lost, along with other assets such as beach huts, car parks and public conveniences.

The new FCERM strategy has been in development since spring 2021.

While neither BCP nor NFDC have any statutory duty to undertake coast protection work, it can use permissive powers to protect the coastline and work with communities to help them adapt to future coastal change.