Sea-Level Rise
Relative sea-level rise for the south-east of England is about 6mm per year, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
This is composed of 3mm of land mass movement and 3mm of sea-level rise due to global warming. You can find out more on the IPCC website.
The design of Eastbourne's Coastal Protection Scheme incorporated this 6mm rise.
Flooding
Although land levels behind the beach are lower in places, there is a relatively low risk of flooding by the sea coming over the defences. The risk is increased during prolonged severe storms. The areas that are most at risk of flooding are detailed on the Environment Agency website.
We have a Coastal Protection Emergency Plan that outlines possible actions for dealing with emergencies resulting from action of the sea. You can download the plan under Related Documents below.
Sandbags
Eastbourne Borough Council does keep a stock of sandbags for use during an emergency to maintain the town's sea defences. However, this stock is fully committed to strategic deployment during an emergency, and we are unable to assist in defending individual properties. It is the responsibility of property owners to take any necessary action to protect their property.
If you live in an area identified as at risk from flooding you should have received advice from the Environment Agency on property protection and damage limitation. Property owners within a flood risk area are recommended to keep their own stock of sandbags.
Use our Engineering Group Contact Form at the bottom of the page for a list of local builders merchants who stock sandbags and other materials suitable for use to protect property.
Council Flood and Coastal Defence Policy
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published a number of high level targets for flood and coastal defence operating authorities such as Eastbourne Borough Council. The targets were designed to ensure delivery of the Government's policy aims and objectives. The targets are available on the DEFRA website.
Target 1, the council's Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal Defence provides a public statement of how the Council manages the risk of flooding and coastal erosion in the area. You can download this policy statement below.
