The flood barriers at Medmerry will be moved further inland which will protect the western side of Selsey, Earnley and secure the B2145 road sewage works.

Sea defences at Selsey, East Wittering, Bracklesham and Cakeham will be strengthened as the sea levels rise.

The option for West Wittering, East Head and Pagham is adaptive management. This means the coastlines will be monitored over a period of time before any further defences are put in place.

The Environment Agency (EA) plans to start working on the sea defences in West Wittering and Medmerry next year.

"Following extensive consultation with residents and Chichester and Arun District Councils we now have developed a strategy for managing flood and erosion risks that offers the maximum benefit for both people and their environment," said James Humphrys, EA area manager for the south east.

"We have been very encouraged by the level of community interest throughout. Unless action is taken, within 100 years we predict that more than 2,200 houses and businesses in the low lying areas could flood here each year as sea levels rise.

"At the same time, erosion could cause almost 1,500 properties to be lost to the sea."

A newsletter summarising the public responses and strategy recommendations has now been produced and sent to 14,000 households within the Manhood Peninsula.

Consultation on the draft strategy was held between May 29 and August 29, and more than 1,000 residents attended exhibitions held across the manhood peninsula.

Chichester District Council will discuss the final plans on Wednesday at a full council meeting.




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