Hemsby Residents Reiterate Call for Coastal Defenses Amid Erosion Concerns

Advocates for coastal protection in a village frequently impacted by storms assert that inhabitants are being “managed” as officials “allow the coast to retreat.” Further sections of the sandy cliffs in Hemsby, situated close to Great Yarmouth, gave way during Storm Darragh’s passage through the area. Several clifftop residences in the locality have been destroyed over recent years. Ian Brennan of Save Hemsby Coastline stated, “Unless politicians start to act, we are facing the inevitability of losing more homes.” A spokesperson for the Environment Agency affirmed its “committed to supporting coastal communities,” while Great Yarmouth Borough Council indicated its intention to assist residents in “adapt to climate change.” Following the assessment of damage from Storm Darragh, Mr Brennan commented, “Hemsby has been lucky in that we haven’t lost any homes, but we have lost several metres of sand again.” He also noted that three Conservative environment secretaries had visited Hemsby, and in January of the previous year, the current environment secretary, Steve Reed, while serving in opposition, committed to altering the funding mechanism to release funds that could potentially finance defensive structures. A licence has been issued by the Marine Management Organisation for plans concerning a permanent sea defence spanning 0.8 miles (1.3km). Nevertheless, Great Yarmouth Borough Council faces the requirement of securing £15m to finalize this undertaking. Mr Brennan further stated, “We’ve been let down right the way down the line. People have promised us the world and have delivered nothing.” He added, “It really feels like we’re being managed while they allow the coast to retreat.” A previous inhabitant, whose residence was lost due to erosion, initiated legal proceedings against the government, alleging insufficient action to safeguard the region from climate change. Kevin Jordan’s legal challenge was dismissed by the High Court, but he intends to pursue an appeal. Simon Measures, chairman of Save Hemsby Coastline, remarked, “We are a bit sick and tired of constantly having to rely on throwing a six and being lucky with the weather, so people don’t lose their homes.” He expressed criticism regarding an initiative known as “roll-back,” a pilot program in which a council provides land located further inland to individuals confronting an immediate threat. He questioned, “As one of these people who would benefit most, as my home is under threat, I would like to know what specifically ‘roll-back’ is and how it’s going to help us.” An Environment Agency spokesperson stated, “Great Yarmouth Borough Council is the responsible Risk Management Authority (RMA) for coastal erosion at Hemsby.” The spokesperson added that “Government Flood Defence Grant in Aid is available to Great Yarmouth Borough Council as the RMA to fund, or part fund, flood and coast erosion risk management schemes.” A spokesperson for the borough council confirmed the publication of a Coastal Adaptation Policy, which details various options to assist communities. They further elaborated, “In addition, the council’s existing local plan provides a positive framework to help facilitate the relocation of properties at risk from erosion and support communities to adapt to erosion.” The spokesperson concluded, “The new local plan, currently subject to public consultation, seeks to strengthen these measures by prioritising land around Hemsby for roll-back.”