en.Wedoany.com Reported - The UK Environment Agency has launched the Sussex Coast Defence Project, investing £8 million to protect coastal homes and businesses from flooding. The coastal defence works cover the repair of the Pevensey wave screen and shingle recycling, with on-site construction now underway, executed by VolkerStevin. Public information shows that the UK Environment Agency is fully responsible for formulating national flood and coastal erosion defence policies and leads several major coastal defence projects.

The coastal defence project is currently in the interim phase from 2025 to 2027, and two core tasks have commenced. The team has received 7 truckloads of timber, planned for use later this summer to reinforce the Pevensey wave screen. Meanwhile, 6 tipper trucks make up to 96 trips daily along a 6.5 km route, transferring 5000 cubic metres of shingle to Pevensey Bay.

Hybrid bulldozers are being used on-site, with their partially electric engines reducing fuel usage by 30%. This year, Pevensey Beach is expected to receive 12,000 cubic metres of shingle. The shingle recycling helps prevent Sovereign Harbour from silting up, addressing both coastal defence and navigational safety. Regular beach surveys will be conducted during the project to monitor shingle volumes and movement.

The Environment Agency, in collaboration with 4 local councils, is advancing this coastal defence project. Funding comes from the national Flood Defence Grant in Aid, covering the area from Holywell to Cooden Beach. The interim phase will protect over 3000 homes and businesses. Beaches will remain open to the public during the works, with visitors advised to stay clear of operational machinery.

The coastal defence project is planned in three phases. The medium-term phase (2027-2037) will merge the Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay frontage defence plans. A long-term strategy will commence in 2037 to address sea-level rise exceeding 1 metre by the end of the century, protecting 18,000 properties over a 100-year period.

This coastal defence project marks an upgrade towards sustainability in UK coastal protection. The use of innovative equipment reduces both costs and carbon footprint. Its multi-phase approach can provide practical, transferable experience for global coastal regions tackling sea-level rise, promoting greener and more durable coastal defence development.

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