Coastal flood risk management strategy, Pegwell Bay to Kingsdown

Reach 2: Shell Ness to Sandwich Bay EstateThis reach comprises thecoastline between Shell Nessand Sandwich Bay Estate. It ischaracterised by a sandybeach backed by an extensivedune system. The groundlevels of the dune systemprovide protection fromflooding for the land behindthe dunes. The frontage has alarge area of inter-tidalmudflats on the seawardside, which narrows towardsthe southern end of the reach.The entire frontage forms partof an important internationalnature conservation area andthere is an RSPB naturereserve approximatelyhalfway along the reach. Thearea contains no residentialsettlements, but there are twomajor golf courses. Two longdistancefootpaths run alongthe length of the reachproviding access to the frontagefrom the centre of Sandwich.Strategic optionDo nothingDo minimumActionsNo further work will be undertaken on the existing defencesReactive maintenance onlyDo nothing has been selected because of the existing high level of protection provided by thebeach and works to the dunes would have a negative impact on the designated sites. In the eventof a major breach in the dune system during an extreme storm there is a possibility of emergencyrepairs, including re-profiling of dunes and breach repairs. Under the ‘do nothing’ option the riskof flooding is acceptably low.Reach 3: Sandwich Bay EstateThe reach comprises ashingle beach backed by aconcrete revetment.The beach and defences inthis reach protect SandwichBay Estate, a residentialsettlement. To the southernend of the reach there is asailing club, which launchesits vessels directly fromthe beach.The land immediately to thenorth and south of SandwichBay Estate is subject tointernational environmentaldesignations, as are thebeach and foreshore.Strategic optionDo nothingDo minimumMaintainSustainActionsNo further work will be undertaken on the existing defencesExisting revetment is patch repaired when damage occursNo work on defences other than local maintenance in first 50 years.Replacement of the existing revetment in 2057No work on defences in first 50 years. Replacement of the existing revetmentin 2057 and beach nourishment undertaken to sustain the level of protectionMaintain has been selected because the existing level of protection is sufficient, but works will berequired in the future to ensure the integrity of the existing revetment. This option provides the besteconomic option and will not have significant impacts on the natural environment.8 Environment Agency Pegwell Bay to Kingsdown coastal strategy