DEFRA approves two coastal defence schemes

Two coastal defence schemes in Sussex have been awarded a total of £13m in government grant aid today (Thursday) by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The schemes in Shoreham and Brighton will strengthen and improve present defences, at a total cost of around £22m.

The Shoreham scheme will involve building 33 breakwaters and raising and widening the existing beach crest. DEFRA will contribute £7m to the £12m project, with work due to start in the autumn.

Work to protect the Brighton frontage, from Brighton Marina to Ovingdean will cost £10m. The DEFRA contribution of £6m for this scheme follows previous government grants totalling £11m given towards defences between Brighton and Saltdean over the last 10 years.

"These important schemes will protect many homes, businesses and conservation sites from coastal erosion and tidal breaches," said floods minister Elliot Morley.

"Shoreham Beach and Widewater Lagoon are both sites of nature conservation importance, and the Lagoon is also a local nature reserve. A tidal breach could seriously damage these important environmental features by destroying habitats."

Morley continued: "The Brighton scheme will strengthen existing defences and protect the undercliff promenade, the beaches, the interceptor sewer to Portobello and the A259 trunk road. These awards underline the continuing strength of government commitment to flood and coastal defence provision."