Plans to defend coastline between Christchurch and Milford for next century go under the spotlight

FLOOD gates, tidal barriers and new artificial reefs are some of the measures set out in a 100-year draft coastal strategy between Christchurch and Milford.

The proposed defences against rising sea levels will go under the spotlight in a drop-in session on Monday at Milford Community Centre, and a week later at Christchurch library.

It has been developed by BCP Council, New Forest District Council and the Environment Agency from Hengistbury Head to Hurst Spit, including residential areas at risk.

Cllr Steve Davies, NFDC cabinet member for environment and coastal services, said: “Once we have listened to feedback on the proposed shortlist of measures for each area of the coast, they will be further appraised to understand if the options are economically, socially, technically and environmentally viable.

“A key aspect will be to consider how all the measures link together across the entire coastal frontage to form one cohesive strategy for Christchurch Bay and harbour.

“In the New Forest we must ensure links with the developing strategy for Hurst Spit to Lymington are also considered.”

As part of the plan, the coastline has been divided into six zones comprising Mudeford sandbank; Christchurch harbour; Christchurch beaches and cliffs; Naish cliff and Barton; Taddiford; and Milford.

For each section strategies have been developed ranging from doing nothing through to upgrading existing defences and the construction of new ones.

At Hengistbury Head proposed measures include installation of rock groynes and sand dune armouring.

Mudeford sandbank proposals include the installation of rock groynes and salt marsh restoration on the harbour side.

Plans for Christchurch harbour include the installation of a tidal barrier at the entrance which could be closed during periods of flood risk.

Other proposals include salt marsh restoration, flood gates, land raising, setting back the flood wall, and a sheet pile wall with parapet.

The proposals said: “There are a large number of properties at risk from tidal flooding around the harbour, and sea level rise is expected to make this worse over time.”

The beach and cliffs at Christchurch could be safeguarded by a sea wall, timber and rock groynes, an offshore breakwater or reef, and other defences such as flood gates.

At Naish cliff and Barton, the “managed realignment” of the coastline is one option being considered alongside new defences. Other proposals include beach nourishment, cliff slope stabilisation, and rock groynes.

At Taddiford the risk to properties from coastal erosion is considered low with only a small number in danger from the 2070s onwards.

Proposals feature beach nourishment and recycling with the document stating that “there will be no economic case to construct new hard defences here”.

At Milford a process of managed realignment is one strategy being considered which would be complemented by new defences at key locations.

The document said: “One approach may be to realign the cliff line landwards, whilst another approach may be to try and advance the foreshore seawards with a wider beach.”

Other ideas at Milford include an offshore breakwater or artificial reef, concrete rock revetments, cliff slope stabilisation, seawalls and setback floodwalls.

It is anticipated the final strategy will be adopted in early 2024 when NFDC and BCP Council will be able to bid for government funding for coast protection schemes.

Drop-in sessions will take place at Milford Community Centre on Monday 5th December from 10am-5.45pm and Monday 12th December at Christchurch library from 10am-5.45pm.

On Tuesday 13th December Dorset Coast Forum will host a public online event from 7pm-8.15pm. To register, comment or find out more visit www.twobays.net