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Beeston Regis

Removal of Beach Debris at Beeston Regis

Aims

To improve the beach environment and pedestrian access at high water between Sheringham and West Runton by the careful removal of beach debris.


Conclusion

Complete Stamp

With the exception of a feedback report to DEFRA, this project has been completed. Please see below for a breakdown of the project including background of the project, timings and finances.

Background

Before and After at Beeston Regis

Following the 1953 floods and storm surge event people on the north Norfolk coast became very aware of the ongoing coastal erosion.  Along the less developed lengths of coast, low level defences were constructed in the late 1950s to 1970s; such as Sheringham to West Runton and Walcott to Cart Gap.  These defences had a design life of around 20 to 30 years and it was fully anticipated that they would be replaced in the fullness of time. 

With our changed understanding of coastal processes and the advent of new Shoreline Management Plans many of these defences will not be replaced and in line with the policy changes eventually become abandoned.  When it is no longer viable to maintain them there inevitably comes a time when they begin to fail.  These abandoned but more specifically failed structures can often become an eyesore and occasionally a hazard to the public.  In these cases there is a duty to take action to remove the hazard, but where the risk is low the redundant defences are generally left to decay. These failed defences can sometimes have a negative impact on investment prospects for the communities they once defended, and their removal can only enhance the environment.

The defences between Sheringham and West Runton were constructed in 1969 &1976 over a distance of 1.7 km.  They consist of a sloping timber revetment on (variously) steel or concrete foundations and timber groynes.  Some of the concrete defences failed in the late 1970’s and some timbers were removed from the abandoned revetment in the 1990’s.  More recently some failed steel sheet piles were removed.  Currently pedestrian access between Sheringham and West Runton is made very difficult by the debris remaining from the failed defences.

This length of coast is characterised by beautiful open cliff tops with many large caravan sites supporting a significant tourist industry.  One site has recently re-established a set of cliff steps to give direct access to the beach between the principal access points at West Runton and Sheringham.  Of the 1.7 km frontage here some 200 metres is designated as a SSSI for geological and botanical reasons.

This project aims to improve the beach environment and pedestrian access at high water between Sheringham and West Runton by the careful removal of beach debris at Beeston Regis.  The beach debris includes the remains of revetments, groynes and sheet piling; there is also a section of slumped cliff material making access along the beach above high water mark very difficult.

How and when is the project being delivered?

This project is being managed by the Coastal Management Team and the Project Officer is Brian Farrow (Principle Coastal Engineer).  The Beeston Regis Parish Council and Sheringham Town Council were consulted prior to the work starting.

An initial projection of the projects development is as follows:

Activity Progress
Develop project approach Completed task
Initial liaison with the Parish & Town Councils to introduce the project, discuss the project approach. Completed task
Tender for debris removal contract Completed task
Nominate contract Completed task
Site visit with contractor Completed task
Remove debris Completed task
Post debris removal discussions with the Parish Council to gather feedback. Completed task
Feedback to Defra Completed task

How much money has been allocated to the project?

The Beeston Regis beach debris removal project completed under budget, totalling £14,282.  The remainder of the budget was reallocated to other pathfinder projects.

How is the community involved?

The community have been involved through discussions with the Beeston Regis Parish Council and consulting Sheringham Town council. Before and after at Beeston Regis

Events


Feb
Beeston Regis Parish Council
Introduction to the project and discussions around the debris to be removed.

12 April
Contractors arrived on site to begin contract works.

May
Contractor work completed. 

How can I keep informed of this project?

NNDC will keep Sheringham Town Council and Beeston Regis Parish Council up to date on progress with this project by verbal reports at the Parish meetings and correspondence. We will also keep everyone informed by this website either on the project page or at the ‘Latest News’ section. We will also release press articles and we will request articles in the parish newsletter and local press. You can also subscribe for free to our Pathfinder Newsletter by sending a request to coastalmanagement@north-norfolk.gov.uk.

Progress Key
Task Completed Task complete
Task Underway Task underway
Task not started Task not started