Amended Shoreham Flood Defence Plans Approved Despite Local Objections

Plans to extend Shoreham’s flood defences, including modifications to local foot and cycle paths, were approved unanimously by Adur District Council at a meeting on September 2nd, 2024.

The amended proposal, put forward by Adur & Worthing Councils, includes raising the flood wall height to 2.2 metres and thickening it from 400mm to 500mm, along with infrastructure changes along Brighton Road. The Sussex Yacht Club and local residents voiced concerns over the project, citing safety and effectiveness issues.

Despite objections from the Sussex Yacht Club, which disputed the placement of a public byway and raised concerns about safety and traffic disruption, the council pressed ahead with the plans. The club argued for entrances to be redesigned to enhance both flood defences and public safety, although it emphasised its support for the overall need for a flood wall. The council maintained that the proposed byway route would remain under review, with a final decision expected later this year.

Additionally, the Mariners Point Residents’ Association criticised the effectiveness of the proposed flood defences, pointing to previous flooding at Surrey Hard. They called for a delay in the approval process until a more comprehensive plan could be developed. Despite these concerns, the council noted that no objections were submitted by Southern Water or West Sussex County Council, leading to the approval of the plans.