Flooding and erosion defence plans submitted

This artist's impression shows how the field will look if built

A new groyne field designed to prevent flooding and coastal erosion might be built on an East Sussex beach following a council application.

Brighton & Hove City Council said it would be between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue and would protect a key part of the city from flooding.

Should the application be successful and get built, the beach will be extended by approximately 25m (82ft) out to sea.

If approved, work is scheduled to start in 2025 and to finish the following summer.

The new timber groynes will be supported by filling the bays between each groyne with thousands of tonnes of shingle, taken from a licensed dredging site in the English Channel, the council said.

The field will help slow the movement of shingle along part of the coastline, helping to protect the area from flooding and erosion.

It will also reduce the amount of shingle which washes up on the promenade during storms and high tides.

The project is primarily funded by the Environment Agency

The work is part of a long-term project, called the Brighton Marina to River Adur Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme.

Working in partnership with Adur District Council, Shoreham Port, the Environment Agency and the Western Esplanade Management Company, its aim is to improve coastal defences.

It is primarily funded by the Environment Agency, however, all the partners have an interest in maintaining the frontage, and so are also paying a proportional amount, Brighton & Hove City Council said.

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm, said: “This project is vital in helping to protect the city from the long-term risks of flooding and coastal erosion.”