Priority Action 1 - Dungeness Foreland

Dungeness Foreland - The Suttons East (14/3) to Greatstone-on-Sea (17/1)

Present standard
Less than 1:5 years (except fronting Dungeness Power Station where a standard of 1:10,000 is maintained)

Proposed standard
1:50 to 1:100 years

Summary
Dungeness Foreland provides a unique and internationally recognised habitat for birds, intervebrates and shingle vegetation as well as providing a unique geomorphology feature. In addition to landscape and nature conservation interests however, the shingle ridges of Dungeness provide vital protection to the two nuclear Power Stations at Dungeness Point and the towns and villages of Walland Marsh. The Dungeness tapestry is completed by the presence of the MoD 'firing' Range at Lydd; important both nationally and internationally. In this area, a decision as to the preferred management solution has been deferred pending more detailed study. A time frame for these studies together with details of the interim solution and likely long-term solution are given below.

Stage I Further studies and continuation of present practice
Establish the impact of shingle recycling activities on the integrity of the Dungeness habitat and whether or not it may be preferable to use marine won aggregates to maintain an appropriate flood defence standard on the western flank of Dungeness.

In the interim, maintenance activities will be continued whilst ways of maintaining the nature conservation interest are pursued through the develop of a Coastal Habitat Management Plan (CHaMP).

Stage II Long term operational solution
Implement a regional option of beach renourishment/recycling supplemented by repair of existing control structures and seawall. The decision as to whether to use recycled or imported shingle from a marine won source will hinge on the outcome of Stage I.

Estimated cost over the next fifty years (£)
Further studies £100,000
Interim solution £750,000 over three years
Long-term solution £10-27,000,000

Estimated benefit over the next fifty years (£)
Over 50 years this approach is likely to prevent over £20,000,000 of flood and erosion damage (excluding the value of damage to the Power Station) and provide protection to the internationally important natural environment within the Dungeness canditate Special Area of Conservation designated under the European Habitats Directive.

Option Implementation Plan (subject to competing national priorities and funding)
Undertake further study (Year): 2000/1
Implement Interim Solution (Year): 2000/3
Implement Longterm Solution (Year): 2003/4

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For further information please contact: Robin Hayler