Long term plan needed to protect coast
By Tom Smithard (Eastern Daily Press, 23 April 2005)
Broads Authority chiefs yesterday backed plans to protect the coastline from erosion - but accepted that they would have to think again for a long-term strategy before it is too late.
Members resolved to lobby for funding to defend the coastline in the short to medium term, up to a maximum of 50 years.
But they accepted defences would have to be set back in 50 to 100 years' time, allowing the coastline to reposition itself as nature intended.
Director of research and strategy Dr Michael Green said: "We strongly advocate holding the line over the next 50 years and in that time, improve our understanding of coastal processes."
Although the authority is only responsible for part of the coastline affected - from Horsey Gap to Winterton Ness - Dr Green said it was important to show solidarity with those whose houses are under threat further up the coast.
"Despite it not being on our doorstep, what happens on one part of the coastline has an impact further down," he added. "We cannot treat the Broads in seclusion."
But some members said they thought the authority's response to the controversial Shoreline Management Plan, which advocates a move away from defending the coast to managed retreat with no compensation, did not go far enough.
Howard Tinworth, a strategic consultant from South Essex, said: "This is a totally inadequate response from a National Park authority.
"This is an absolutely important part of the nation's heritage and it should be protected at all cost."
And Tony Stapleton, representing the Broads Forum, added: "Our members believe that the current knowledge of coastal processes is inadequate and there's a lack of confidence in the 100-years plan that's being put forward at the moment."