The Coastal Defence Strategy proposes that three
banks are created at West Wittering, Snow Hill and
Rookwood to prevent flooding as sea levels rise.
These will cost £3.0m and it is unlikely that
government funding will be forthcoming. It could
take many years before work proceeds, whilst design
and funding issues are resolved.
In the meantime, East Head, in its current form,
provides a valuable breakwater protecting these
areas from exposure to waves. Managed
re-alignment would put that protection at risk.
Rare sand dunes may be washed over or cut off.
The most acute issue along the coastline under
review is at Medmerry, where it is proposed to
allow the shingle bank to be breached or re-aligned.
It is likely that funding will be forthcoming and
work will proceed at this site before any other.
It is probable that the works at Medmerry will
have at least some impact upon the supply of
sediment to Chichester Harbour, which could lead
to a revised assessment of the needs at East
Head and is a further reason for not taking
precipitous actions now.
Fragile Harbour Shoreline
There is currently no urgency to take action at East Head. To remove all of the sea defences
unnecessarily would be reckless. The cost of maintaining the status quo is affordable in the meantime,
especially if funding is available from private sources. There will be no increased threat to
valuable wildlife habitats nor to adjacent coastlines.
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