More Sussex homes protected from flooding as Environment Agency plans to cope with climate change

The Environment Agency has created a five year plan to tackle climate change, with major projects in Sussex already underway.
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By 2025 the Environment Agency aims to construct more climate resistant infrastructure in the face of new challenges we may see as a result of climate change, such as flooding, coastal transformation and drought.

Announcing the plan - named EA2025 - the agency's chief executive Sir James Bevan warned we cannot return to normal business after lockdown if we wish to address environmental challenges in the future.

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It emphasises the necessity for cleaner air, water and land for the safety of public health and a green, sustainable future.

Elmer Beach. Photo: Google MapsElmer Beach. Photo: Google Maps
Elmer Beach. Photo: Google Maps

Sir James said: "Tackling the climate change must become a default position for everyone. We know that life post-lockdown presents a unique opportunity to change the way we live and work for the better. We have been gifted a glimpse of how we could adapt our lives and think differently about how we operate.”

The Environment Agency has been fully operational throughout lockdown, working remotely from home and navigating drones to survey regulated sites, in addition to frontline staff continuing to manage pollution and assess flood risk areas. Last month, a major coastal flood defence scheme was implemented, protecting more than 300 properties in Elmer, West Sussex.

The Elmer Flood Defence scheme saw the government, Arun District Council and Elmer Sands Ltd collaborate to provide £5 million in funding to protect 325 properties from flooding and the imminent threat of coastal erosion. A further £3 million has been allocated for maintenance across the next 50 years.

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In addition, the Newhaven Flood Alleviation Scheme, in partnership with Lewes District Council, aims to minimise the risk of flooding to over 400 homes and 390 businesses in and surrounding Newhaven in East Sussex with a budget of £17.5 million. The Environment Agency has already constructed 4km of defences in the past two years with completion date set for spring 2021.

James Humphrys, Solent and South Downs Area Director said: “I am proud that, despite the pandemic related constraints of the last few months, our Environment Agency teams across the south have continued much of their work, and our drive towards an improved environment for people and nature has continued. We now have an opportunity to accelerate our efforts for the world.”

Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, said: “The Prime Minister has announced that the country needs to build back better, build back greener, build back faster. This action plan sets out how we will help to accelerate a just transition to a low-carbon and more resilient future.”