We are delighted that planning consents have been granted (Tuesday 27 June 2017) for a proposal to manage the large shingle spit in front of Pagham Harbour in West Sussex.

Arun District Council, Chichester District Council and the Marine Management Organisation have together granted the necessary planning permissions the approvals under the Habitats Regulations and the marine licence for this project.

Over the last decade the shingle spit at Pagham has grown and changed enormously resulting in beach erosion which has caused a lot of distress to the people living there. This coastline is very dynamic and an area of high conservation value both nationally and internationally. Being mindful of these factors, the community asked ABPmer to review the available solutions and develop a proactive and sustainable intervention which addressed the problem and worked with, rather than fought, nature.

The consented scheme involves managing the shape of the spit to divert tidal energies away from the eroding beach together with creating a new shingle island that could be used by internationally important populations of Little Terns which nest in Pagham Harbour.

Colin Scott, a coastal adaptation specialist at ABPmer said “We are delighted that the Pagham Community has finally been granted planning permission for this project.

"It’s always good news when a project we have contributed to receives permission to proceed and this is an innovative project that brings combined benefits to people and the environment. Securing the necessary permissions took over 18 months and this followed a year of prior consultation and assessment work. This extended duration occurred because of distinct challenges, relating to issues of certainty and risk, that can come with trying to work with nature in the manner proposed.”

On behalf of the community, ABPmer led the planning application process, developed the scheme design, provided advice on marine environmental issues and carried out the majority of the other technical studies that were needed (including Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitat Regulations Assessments, Marine Conservation Zone Assessment, and Water Framework Directive compliance Assessment).

The company also helped to develop appropriate compensation, mitigation and monitoring commitments in consultation with the regulators and Natural England.

For more information about our work at Pagham, visit our project page.

ABPmer is a recognised leader in adapting shorelines for flood protection, nature conservation and other purposes. For more information, visit our OMReg microsite.

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