Push to protect village from erosion threat begins

Residents of Thorpeness contributed towards the £700,000 costs to put in geobag defences between 2010 and 2012

Drones are being used to monitor a seaside village's crumbling cliffs as long-term plans are made to deal with concerns about "accelerated" erosion.

It has been one of the biggest issues for residents of Thorpeness in recent years as plans for new sea defences are discussed.

East Suffolk Council (ESC) has now launched a survey to help inform decisions and attempt to ensure the community is prepared.

Mark Packard, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for planning and coastal management, said: "East Suffolk has some of the fastest eroding coast in north-west Europe and whilst a certain amount of erosion happens each year, there has been an accelerated rate of erosion at Thorpeness recently."

There is currently a rock revetment on the north end of the beach at Thorpeness

Residents, visitors and businesses are being asked to take part in the survey, with ESC officers meeting homeowners to discuss safety plans.

Drone photography is also being used to monitor the area and gain an increased understanding of erosion rates and beach movement.

Mr Packard continued: "Whilst we are dealing with the imminent risk to properties, we are also keen to engage the wider community to raise awareness of the issues and ensure people have the opportunity to develop and share ideas on what actions could help Thorpeness prepare for the future impacts of coastal erosion and tidal flooding."

The work comes after a large house in the village's North End Avenue had to be demolished in October 2022 after being deemed unsafe.

Thorpeness Community Interest Company has since applied to ESC for planning permission to install about 5,700 tonnes of rock as part of two 50m (165ft) extensions to an existing armour revetment.

Mr Packard added: "Each coastal area has a Shoreline Management Plan, which identifies whether the coastline will be defended - known as 'hold the line' - realigned or undefended.

"For Thorpeness, the guidance is for 'managed realignment' which means that where possible, measures might be permitted that slow erosion down but not stop it. Therefore, we must look at how we can adapt to such risks."

The work is funded through the Resilient Coasts project, part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes.

The deadline for responses to the survey is 14 September. The answers will then be shared and discussed at a community meeting to create an adaptation plan.