Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Coastal erosion has led to at least 183 home demolitions in England since 2010
At least 183 homes on England’s east coast have been demolished because coastal erosion and landslides made them unsafe over the past 16 years.
Councils ordered the demolitions in vulnerable communities in Yorkshire and East Anglia, including Hemsby, where 64 homes have been removed since 2010.
The demolitions cost £1.1 million, paid for by the Environment Agency, councils and, in some cases, homeowners.
Coastal erosion gradually wears away the shoreline and can destabilise cliffs; scientists say the climate crisis is speeding up the retreat of the UK’s shores.
The Environment Agency estimates 3,500 English properties could be at risk by 2055, rising to more than 10,000 by 2105.
Coastal erosion is not covered by a UK insurance product, and East Suffolk council says support for residents’ wider costs of adapting and relocating is limited.
Councils are working with residents on safety and support, while some measures aim to slow erosion and give people more time to prepare.
At least 183 homes have been demolished in eastern England since 2010 because coastal erosion and landslides made them unsafe.
The demolitions were carried out across parts of Yorkshire and East Anglia after councils judged the properties too vulnerable to remain occupied.
The demolitions cost £1.1m, with the Environment Agency contributing about £482,000 towards clearing 61 homes.
East Riding of Yorkshire council demolished 66 homes, while Great Yarmouth borough council demolished 64, all in Hemsby.
The Environment Agency estimates that 3,500 properties in England are at risk from coastal erosion by 2055.
- Who
- Councils in eastern England demolished homes judged unsafe because of coastal erosion and landslides.
- What
- At least 183 homes have been demolished since 2010.
- When
- Since 2010, over the past 16 years.
- Where
- Along the east coast of England, including Yorkshire and East Anglia.
- Why
- Coastal erosion and landslides made the properties too vulnerable to remain safely occupied.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
East Riding of Yorkshire council has demolished 66 homes and Great Yarmouth borough council has demolished 64.
Great Yarmouth borough council removed 41 properties in Hemsby.
East Suffolk council recorded 16 home demolitions.
- Total homes demolished
- At least 183
- Demolition cost
- £1.1m
- Environment Agency contribution
- About £482,000 towards clearing 61 homes
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- 66 homes demolished since 2010
- Great Yarmouth borough council
- 64 homes demolished since 2010, all in Hemsby
- Properties at risk by 2055
- 3,500 in England
What people are saying
Last winter, the dunes in Hemsby saw about 50% of the erosion predicted for the entirety of the next 30 years. More than 10 metres of land was lost in just over 12 months.
I’ve lost £650,000 – that was what my flat was worth.
I’ve had to dig into my pension savings to buy a house, of which I still owe money on. I’ve borrowed money. It’s just disastrous.
Sources
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