Lewes District Council manages coast protection in the district with other agencies stretching from Saltdean in the west to Cuckmere in the east, some 14.5km of shoreline.
Our responsibility for coast protection is to take measures against erosion and not safeguarding against flooding from the sea. This restricts our coverage to 9.7km of shoreline.
Our coast defence works focus on the frontage from Saltdean to Peacehaven. We have a fifty year strategy covering major renewal programmes for existing defences.
The cliffs between Peacehaven Heights and Newhaven, and at Seaford Head, do not have any coast defences, nor are any proposed. In these locations, there is little or no development and the cliffs will continue to erode naturally.
Agencies responsible for coastal protection
Newhaven Port and Properties are responsible for Newhaven Harbour and the mouth of the Ouse, which they maintain for navigation purposes.
The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for Seaford Bay from the mouth of the Ouse along to Splash Point, Seaford. On this frontage, a shingle beach forms the primary defence against the sea.
The EA recycles shingle annually to ensure the beach provides good protection for the town. At the far eastern end of our coastal frontage the EA also maintains the beach at Cuckmere Haven.
Management of the coast
Management of the Sussex Coast between Selsey Bill and Beachy Head is guided by a Shoreline Management Plan. To view this plan visit the South East Coastal Group website. This Plan provides a framework for the coast for the rest of the Century.
Brighton Marina to Newhaven Coastal Management Implementation Plan
In 2014 we commissioned a plan with Brighton and Hove City Council to help consider the options for managing the coastline over the next 100 years.
The Brighton Marina to Newhaven Coastal Management Implementation Plan reviews and updates a number of previous studies to develop a single plan in-line with the current government flood and coastal risk management guidance.
The plan gives options for managing the five key sections of coastline frontage over the next 100 years which have been developed by the multi-agency project team in partnership with the Environment Agency.
A summary of the plan is available to download below.
Information sharing sessions
In June 2017 we held three information sharing sessions. These were an opportunity for local residents to understand the challenges we face and the options for managing our coastline. It was also be a chance for the people living closes to the cliffs to speak to the organisations involved in developing and delivering the plan.
The presentation boards displayed at these sessions are available to download below.
Coastal erosion management mailing list
To receive updates about future engagement events sign up for our coastal management and protection mailing list using our keep me posted email updates.