Flood defence scheme willprotect over 1,000 homes

The Environment Agency has been unveiling details of the plans at a public exhibition in Camber this week.

When built, the Broomhill Sands Defence Scheme will directly protect over 1,400 homes and businesses by increasing the standard of protection in the area from 1 in 20 years, to 1 in 200 years.

The project will feature a range of improvements covering 2.4km of beach between The Suttons, Camber, and the western boundary of Lydd Ranges; including: a rock revetment along 1.7km of the beach with new access points; replacing a number of the timber groynes; a new wave wall; increasing the amount of shingle along the beach near the Suttons and improving access to the beach and landscaping around the car park.

The Environment Agency is preparing to submit a planning application to Rother District Council.

The defences are the latest part of the Environment Agency’s strategy to reduce flood risk to over 14,000 homes on the Romney Marsh.

“It will work in conjunction with the already completed schemes at Dymchurch and the mouth of the River Rother, and those still in development along the coast.

Ian Nunn, Environment Agency Operations Manager, said: “The feedback we received from the local community during the early stages of the project was vital in developing the scheme to ensure that it would meet local needs.

“ We want to continue that good work by working closely with the community during the next stage of the project,

The news has been welcomed by Rye MP Amber Rudd who said: “I am delighted that additional funds are being provided to secure the homes for local coastal residents.”

It also received a positive response from the Defend Our Coast group.

Brigitte Bass, from DOC, described the sea defences as ‘much needed’ .

Chairman Terry Preston said: “DOC warmly welcomes the announcement by the Environment Agency that funding has been secured to build a new sea defence scheme at Broomhill Sands.

“After a great deal of pressure from local community groups and individuals over a long period of time, funding has finally been secured.

“ Consultation with local people has begun in earnest this week.

“This will be the second major sea defence scheme to protect the 14,000 homes on Romney Marsh.

“The first highly successful scheme was completed at Dymchurch, however, the Marsh will remain vulnerable until all other schemes are completed at Lydd and Hythe Ranges.

“DOC will continue to work with the Environment Agency, until the whole of the Marsh is adequately protected.”

For more details visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk.