Ministers unavailable to visit Hemsby despite erosion concerns.
- Hemsby’s erosion has already claimed numerous homes.
- A £15M defence cost, but only £2M funding is allocated.
- Cross-party appeal for urgent review by environment officials.
- Legal challenges to government plans dismissed by court.
The local MP for Great Yarmouth, Rupert Lowe, approached the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), enquiring whether Secretary Steve Reed would visit Hemsby and review funding requirements for coastal defence initiatives. Despite the critical nature of coastal erosion in Hemsby, which has resulted in the loss of several homes, Defra officials confirmed their unavailability to undertake such a visit.
Earlier in the year, campaigners submitted a petition to Downing Street calling for immediate measures to safeguard Hemsby from further erosion. The proposed solution—a rock berm sea defence—has received necessary permits and approvals from relevant agencies, with an estimated cost of £15M. However, the Environment Agency’s current funding stands at only £2M, leaving a substantial shortfall and threatening the project’s viability.
In response to this predicament, an open letter endorsed by cross-party officials and community leaders was sent to Secretary Reed, urging for a revision of funding criteria to address the dire needs of Hemsby residents. The letter referenced Reed’s past promises during a January visit to modify the existing funding criteria should the Labour party come to power.
Defra’s minister for water and flooding, Emma Hardy, expressed regret about the unavailability of ministers but emphasized the local council’s responsibility for erosion management. She cited a locally developed Shoreline Management Plan advocating for managed realignment as the long-term strategy, acknowledging the complexity and high costs of protective measures due to Hemsby’s dynamic sand dunes.
Additionally, judicial efforts to challenge the government’s National Adaptation Plan were thwarted, as reflected in the Royal Courts of Justice’s dismissal of a recent appeal relating to Hemsby’s situation. Critics argue that the current adaptation framework falls short amid escalating climate threats.
Hemsby’s plea for coastal defence funding continues amidst political and legal setbacks.
