Valley to be returned to the sea

Current flood defences are reaching the end of their natural life

The Cuckmere Valley in East Sussex is to be turned into a tidal floodplain, the Environment Agency has decided.

Residents had fought the plans to flood the valley, created by the Victorians in 1846, and turn it into a salt marsh nature reserve.

The Environment Agency's Andrew Pearce said it knew there would be concern but flood risk management had to change.

He said the valley was under pressure from climate change, rising sea levels, and past interference by man.

Residents who opposed the plan had called for more sea defences to keep the valley in its current state, and had said the plan would destroy wildlife, footpaths and parts of the local beach.

They also expressed concerns about the impact of the floodplain plan on nearby homes and businesses.

On Wednesday, the Cuckmere Estuary Partnership, a consortium of councils, heritage and conservation bodies, said it was still calling for a "more managed approach" that would allow a gradual return to a natural estuary system.

It said it would be seeking the views of residents and local businesses about the long-term future.

It wouldn't be right to continually build bigger defences Andrew Pearce

But Mr Pearce said: "Climate change is presenting us with many challenges and the way we manage flood risk here has to change."

He added: "This is a beautiful landmark and an undeveloped area and it wouldn't be right to continually build bigger defences here.

"Our decision will not increase flood risk for any properties in the Cuckmere River catchment. But it will save valuable flood risk management money which can then be directed to where it is most needed."

He said current flood defences were not high enough to cope with a rise in sea level and each year the agency spent up to £50,000 on removing shingle from the mouth of the river, he said.

Water 'already high'

Consultation had taken place with the public and people who owned or occupied land in the area had already been informed of the decision to withdraw maintenance after a two-year notice period which would start on 1 April 2009, he added.

The agency said it planned to continue removing shingle for as long as was required, but the river would be able to keep itself clear once the floodplain had been restored. The process could take up to 15 years.

Spokeswoman for the Cuckmere Estuary Partnership Kate Cole said: "We can't ignore this problem. The current defences are reaching the end of their natural life, and water levels already reach the top of the banks at high tide."

She said a managed realignment process would allow paths and other amenities to be put in place before any major natural changes occurred.

The partnership includes the National Trust, Natural England, the South Downs Joint Committee, East Sussex County Council and Seaford Town Council.

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The area will be left to flood naturally because its too costly to maintain flood defences