Hundred-year coast plan launched

A three-month consultation period will allow comment on the plans

A century-long plan to protect part of the south coast from flooding has been released by the Environment Agency.

The proposals outline how the flood risk from Folkestone, Kent, to Cliff End at Rye, East Sussex, could be managed over the next 100 years.

The "vulnerable and changing coastline" is thought to be one of the largest areas at risk in Southern England.

Two nuclear power stations, an airport, two military training ranges, Rye harbour and 13,500 homes are affected.

Flooding and coastal erosion are expected to increase with climate changes and rising sea levels.

We could see many houses permanently flooded, impossible to access or even lost for good Peter Midgley, Environment Agency

The report follows an assessment by the agency and recommends the most appropriate way of managing each area.

Peter Midgley, Kent and East Sussex area manager for the Environment Agency, said: "With our climate changing and sea levels rising, we must look at how we will manage the risks here well into the future.

"If we don't, we could see many houses permanently flooded, impossible to access or even lost for good."

Some areas, such as Broomhill Sands and Lydd Ranges which are below high spring tide levels, have been highlighted as priority areas to build or improve defences to reduce flood risk.

Nature reserve

The report states that more than 13,500 homes could be permanently flooded or impossible to access, more than 1,100 homes could be lost due to cliff erosion and 25,000 hectares of agricultural land could be flooded.

The at-risk area also includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR), more than 40 scheduled monuments and more than 260 listed buildings.

A consultation period, which ends on 15 August, will allow people to submit their views on the recommendations.

Mr Midgley added: "We urge anyone who lives, works or enjoys visiting these areas to find out more about our proposals and have their say before the consultation closes."

The Environment Agency will also hold drop-in sessions about the proposals in Folkestone, Lydd, Camber, Rye and St Mary's Bay during June and July, and an exhibition at Lydd Library from 7 to 30 June.