sector-erosion

Advice on Policy and Projects

RPA advises Government departments on policy development and assessment of alternative policy options, as well as commenting on and analysing proposed policies in many fields, including flood and coastal erosion risk management.

RPA also provides advice for specific projects and schemes to assist in ensuring that the 'best' option is implemented. Examples of RPA studies on erosion are outlined below.

Scratby Pathfinder: Adaptation Land/Asset Study

The aim of this study is to investigate possible land and property interventions that could contribute to supporting a medium and long-term Coastal Management Plan for the community of Scratby and California (in Norfolk). The study will also look at funding opportunities for these interventions.

Engagement with the people living and working in Scratby and California is a key part of the study. Drop-in sessions, meetings and a questionnaire will be used to provide opportunities for residents and business owners to provide their views on the interventions. The study intends to help the community of Scratby and California choose which options best meet their requirements and should be carried forwards into the Coastal Management Plan.

The first drop-in session is on Wednesday 18th August in the Post Office car park, Scratby, running from 11am to 6pm. Tea, coffee and cakes will be provided.

Please contact us (details at top right of this page) if you would like to see the latest version of the engagement plan, or to find out more about how to be involved.

North Norfolk Coastal Management Plan: Evidence Gathering Study

RPA (in association with Collingwood Environmental Planning, Watsons and Green Dart Consulting) completed an evidence gathering study for North Norfolk District Council in August 2008 assessing the potential for adaptation to coastal erosion risk. The focus of the study is how to manage change along the North Norfolk coast, to minimise the negative consequences of coastal erosion. The study assesses the real costs of no active intervention, taking full account of the social consequences of withdrawing funding for defences and assesses the costs of adaptation. One of the key findings of the study is that although providing assistance to people affected by coastal erosion would require some initial funding outlay, there is the potential for profits if properties at risk of erosion are purchased at their rebuild cost and leased out. Overall, though, the study concludes that the greatest future benefits could be provided by offering a range of different methods to residents and businesses and allowing them to choose what approach to adaptation is best for them (download the report).

Defra study on Changes in Asset Value on Eroding Coasts (FD2623)

The objective of the study was to provide information and analysis to help increase understanding of how property prices respond to coastal erosion risk. The study considers two specific contexts: where there has never been a defence and where there has been a decision to withdraw public investment from publicly funded coast protection works.

The aim of the study was to answer two overall study questions:

1. How do asset values respond to coastal erosion risk?
2. How do asset values in England respond to coastal erosion risk and in particular to a decision to withdraw investment in publicly funded coast protection works?

The findings showed that it is difficult to precisely define how the property value changes as its residual life reduces (the time before it is lost due to erosion). Factors such as premiums paid for sea views can mask the effect of property value reductions.

The strength of the property market is also a key factor. In a strong market, erosion risk has less influence as there are more buyers than sellers, hence, there is greater competition for those properties that are available. In a weak market, where there are more sellers than buyers, the reduction in property value may be much greater. This arises because buyers have more choice. As a result, they can either avoid properties where there is some risk to their investment or give a much lower offer. Overall, however, the combined (and potentially conflicting) result of all the factors affecting property values is that a decision to withdraw funding could (where the negative factors predominate) result in a significant property price reduction.