Recomendations for Barton, Taddiford and Milford in the Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy to be discussed by NFDC place and sustainability overview and scrutiny panel

MORE than 1,200 coastal New Forest properties will be at risk of erosion in the next 100 years unless action is taken, a new report has revealed.

Figures also show nearly 140 homes are at risk of flooding as well, with the effects of both estimated to cause economic damages of nearly £400 million.

These numbers were revealed in a Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy report, which was due to be discussed by New Forest District Council’s place and sustainability overview and scrutiny panel tomorrow evening (Thursday).

The strategy has been jointly developed by NFDC, BCP Council and the Environment Agency, and covers Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to the western end of Hurst Spit at Milford.

The latest report highlighted three ‘strategic zones’ affected, with 661 properties in Milford, 597 at Barton and one at Taddiford at risk of erosion, with 139 at Milford at risk of flooding.

It discussed measures to deal with the risks, which are predicted to affect the area up to 2124.

At Barton, the main risk is from erosion, the report said, with “a complex cliff” where it is “unlikely to be possible to completely stop erosion”. However, the report recommends managed realignment to improve defences, stability and drainage. This would “slow rates” of erosion but “not stop it entirely”. These measures would cost an estimated £22 million.

Taddiford, between Barton and Hordle cliff, is “currently undefended” the report said, with no flooding risk and “minimal properties” at risk of erosion. This being the case, a ‘do nothing’ approach was recommended, with “health and safety activities” taking place, if appropriate, after cliff erosion events.

In Milford, the key issue is “management of beach levels”, the report stated, adding: “There has been a recent trend of beach erosion that has increased the pressure on the defences at the back of the beach.

“Here a beach is required to protect the toe of the existing seawall and in the past low beach levels have contributed to seawall failures.”

The leading options focused on managing the beach levels through “periodic nourishment and larger scale beach nourishment schemes”.

It was recommended Milford’s seawall be upgraded, with new groynes built, and tidal flood defences constructed at the eastern end to reduce flooding from Sturt Pond. The leading options for Milford would cost an estimated £24.5 million.

The report explained that, without action, amenity and recreation land would be lost, along with other assets such as beach huts, car parks and public conveniences.

It stated: “The coastline is complex with various risks including tidal flood risk around Christchurch Harbour and coastal erosion/landslide risk along parts of the open coast.

“The population of the strategy area, including the towns of Christchurch, Highcliffe, Barton, Milford and New Milton is estimated to be over 100,000.”

The report adds that while many parts of the strategy frontage are already defended, the condition and standard of protection against coastal flooding and erosion and the expected life of these defences is “highly variable”.

It said: “Many of the defences are in poor condition and are close to the end of their residual life. These assets require significant investment to withstand the impacts of climate change now and into the future.

“Significant areas of land around Christchurch Harbour are at risk of flooding from large storm events. Parts of the open coast are at threat from coastal erosion.

“In the future, with the increased storminess and rising sea levels that are predicted because of climate change, the risk of coastal flooding and erosion is likely to increase significantly.

“Without actively implementing measures to manage coastal flood and erosion risks, over 1,600 properties are likely to be at risk of erosion and over 2,200 properties at risk from coastal flooding by 2124, in the strategy area.”

The new FCERM strategy has been in development since spring 2021.

While neither BCP nor NFDC have any statutory duty to undertake coast protection work, it can use permissive powers to protect the coastline and work with communities to help them adapt to future coastal change, the report adds.

The panel’s recommendations will be further discussed by NFDC’s cabinet on 7th August.