SHORT TERM ACTION TO PROTECT EAST HEAD AGREED

- Wed 26th Jan 2005

Agreement has been reached by all interested parties that short term action should be taken to repair the 90 metre long eroded section of sand dunes at the neck of East Head. This will be done by recycling approximately 8000 cubic metres of sand and shingle from the northern tip of East Head, back to its original source at the Hinge.

This short term measure will ‘hold the line’ pending the implementation of a sustainable and environmentally sound long term solution that will flow from the Coastal Defence Strategy for this sector of coastline. The Strategy is due for public consultation this Spring.

The recharge of material at the Hinge will be placed both in front of and behind the existing rock berm. The material in front will act as a sacrificial barrier to delay the erosion of the existing dunes, while at the rear it is planned to erect simple sand breaks, plant marram grass and to install a walkway. This will provide safe access for walkers onto East Head and it might allow new dunes to become established on the Snowhill Creek side of the rock berm.

The scheme will cost in the order of £11,000 and will be jointly funded by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Chichester District Council. Subject to prevailing weather conditions and the time it takes to implement the long term solution for East Head, there may be a requirement to repeat the recharge in the future.
This short term measure will still require planning permission and it is estimated by Chichester District Council, who will be managing and undertaking the project, that work may not be able to start on site for about 8 weeks.

By forum user, Mat