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Coastal Management Scheme: Coastal Realignment at Medmerry (The…
Coastal Management Scheme:
Coastal Realignment at Medmerry
Reasons for management
The land was low value
Flat farm land
Non-residential
But it also needed to protect the high value land in Selsbury (348 houses at risk of flooding)
The old sea wall was damaged
Too expensive to replace (also no need)
£20,000 a year
Better to manage a planned inundation of water than keep on reacting to breaches
The management strategy
People are moved out, buildings are demolished then a breach is made in existing sea defenses so the sea can inundate the land and make new habitats
The "hold the line" strategy is no longer followed
a new embankment was built using clay to enclose the inter-tidal area, and rock armor was places at the seaward edges (60,000 tonnes)
a 110 meter beach was built behind the embankment, with a channel to collect and take water back to the sea
Conflicts/Costs
Environmental
Large areas of land is lost
Some habitats have been disturbed
Economic
£28 million
Short term costs may be high, due to relocation costs
Social
People feel "let down" by managed retreat and feel like the battle against the sea should continue
Have to relocate people to new homes
Effects/Benefits
Social
Reduces risk of flodding
Selsey has a 1 in 1000 chance of flooding
Takes pressure off areas further along the coast
Economical
Cheaper than repeatedly paying for maintenance on sea deffences
Long term solution
New car parks and view points have increased tourism
The salt-marsh vegetation can be used for extensive cattle farming
Environmental;
Creates new habitats that make up for those lost
Conserves and enhances the natural environment