Coastal Erosion

On North Norfolk's cliffed coastline, the major problem is erosion of the cliffs. The prevention of coastal erosion is termed coast protection and is provided by Maritime District Councils such as North Norfolk District Council. The council is responsible for both constructing and maintaining the defences on its frontage, in line with the guidance and criteria provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Defra also provide funding for coast protection works through their grant aid service. The erosion risk areas for the North Norfolk area of responibility are shown in the Shoreline Management Plan (Sub Cell 3b). Policies relating to development in these areas are included in the Core Stategy.

The North Norfolk cliffs are basically comprised of a contorted mix of silts, sands, clays and gravels that were deposited during the glacial and interglacial phases of the last 2 million years. The cliffs provide little resistance to the aggressive action of North Sea waves, which erode the base of the cliffs. In addition, when the cliff material has a high water content it becomes unstable and, together with wave action, this results in slips & slides of large amounts of material along the coastline, leading to a general retreat of the cliff line.

For enquires about house purchases and erosion risk please contact a member of the Coastal Management Team.