European funding secured for coastal defence scheme

A multi-million pound initiative to build coastal defences in Withernsea has moved a step closer after East Riding of Yorkshire Council secured £3m worth of European funding.

The south Withernsea coastal defence scheme will receive cash from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to go towards the £5.5m cost of the project, which will see the current sea defences extended by 400 metres.

But while money has been secured and planning permission is in place, there are still hurdles to overcome before work to bolster the defences can start.

Council officers will have to obtain a Crown lease and work permit and finalise the marine licence with the Marine Management Organisation.

They will be working closely with landowners to ensure relevant access permissions are agreed and co-ordinating with local fishermen to ensure any disruption is minimised during rock delivery by sea.

The Holderness coastline has some of the fastest eroding coast in Europe with over four metres a year of land eroding at south Withernsea.

This scheme will extend the current defences with 400 metres of rock armour, to protect against the ongoing coastal erosion in an undefended area. This will include a re-work of the existing 100-metre rock terminal structure, re-grading of the existing cliff line along a 400-metre length and the creation of a 100-metre terminal structure at the end of the defences.

It will prolong the lifespan of Holmpton Road and the main A1033 road into Withernsea, ensuring businesses, residents and visitors are still able to access services and primary emergency access routes are maintained. A significant number of residential, business and holiday properties will be protected.

Councillor Chris Matthews, portfolio holder for strategic management at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “While this is good news that the council has secured the funding and planning permission for the scheme, there are still a number of obstacles that we have to overcome before work on this complex project can actually get underway.

“Should we overcome these final hurdles it is expected work could begin in spring 2020.”