Coastal erosion: East Riding gets millions to protect against North Sea

The East Riding, Norfolk and Suffolk will share the funds as the EA says these places have been “at the forefront of developing innovative approaches”.

This will include property purchases or long-term financing solutions where homes face imminent risk from erosion.

The EA’s chair Alan Lovell said: “England has some of the fastest eroding coastline in Europe, and climate change is accelerating these pressures.

“Through the Coastal Adaptation Pilots, we are supporting coastal communities to plan ahead and prepare for a safer and more resilient future.

“We are committed to sharing our learning across the country so that all coastal communities at risk can benefit from the climate adaptation actions being delivered in these areas.”

The risk was highlighted recently by Richard Jackson, the East Riding’s coastal change manager, who told MPs that 66 residential properties have had to be demolished over the last decade.

The Holderness coastline is the fastest eroding stretch in Europe, with almost five metres disappearing every year at the worst parts.

Mr Jackson described this as “death by a thousand cuts” for the community as homes, businesses and landscapes are wiped out.

Last year, the Coastguard Cottages at Tunstall were knocked down, which had been built in 1902 to replace houses at Waxholme that had previously fallen into the sea.

However, recently East Riding Council’s Cabinet approved an £800,000 contribution towards a long-awaited housing development in Skipsea, consisting of two and three-bedroom houses, for social rent and shared ownership.

Speaking about the new funding, Coun Barbara Jefferson, cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said: “This is positive news for the East Riding, which contains one of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe.

“We will continue to work with the government and residents to ensure the best outcomes for our area and ensure that coastal communities in our region can adapt and thrive.”

Floods Minister Emma Hardy only knows too well about the dangers of coastal erosion in east Yorkshire as the MP for Hull West and Haltemprice.

She said: “Coastal erosion is one of the most challenging impacts of climate change, and we will always support our towns to adapt where the forces of nature make long-term defence impossible.

“This new government investment will help some of our most at-risk coastal areas take practical action now, while building the evidence we need to support coastal communities across the country in the decades ahead.”

An additional £12m will also go to Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCCs) to deliver smaller scale projects.

This includes moving community buildings away from at-risk areas, testing early warning systems and improving beach access and coastal tourism infrastructure.