Plans to protect Mundesley from coastal erosion could cost £1.5m

NNDC councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett (Image: Copyright Nicholas Manthorpe 2011)

Plans to protect Mundesley from being swallowed by the sea could cost £1.5 million.

North Norfolk District Council is set to unveil its proposal for the village's coastal management scheme at an exhibition in the village's Coronation Hall on Tuesday, January 17, between 2pm and 7.30pm.

The public drop-in session will explain what options have been shortlisted to protect the community from coastal erosion and what the next steps will be.

Councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett, Cabinet Member for the Coast and Countryside at North Norfolk District Council, said: 'Coastal management is an ongoing process. The Mundesley Scheme has been included in the Environment Agency's six year programme and this is the next step in the process.

'We spend around £310,000 every year to maintain 21 miles of coastline that's £14,700 a mile. On top of this defences do require more substantial investment and in order to do this we have put an additional £300,000 of district council funding towards this scheme to help secure further government funds.'

The local authority is currently drafting a business case for the scheme at Mundesley to attract funding and gain approval for the work.

A council spokesperson said: 'It is hoped the event will help people understand the need for the scheme, what is and isn't possible; be aware of how coastal management schemes are funded, enable people to give feedback on the shortlisted options and understand what the next steps are.

'People are invited to drop into the event and speak to a member of the North Norfolk District Council coastal management team to find out more about coastal management options for Mundesley.

'It is expected that the final scheme will cost between £1 million and £1.5 million pounds.'