About the scheme

In February 2001 Shepway District Council adopted the Folkestone to Rye Coastal Defence Strategy Plan, which provides a framework for the sustainable management of the coastal defences over the next fifty years. Shepway are now developing scheme options for the improvement of the coastal defences between Fisherman’s Beach, Hythe and Folkestone Harbour (Management Unit 20). This Management Unit is sub-divided into 14 separate defence lengths, each comprising coastal defences of differing type and construction. Further detail on these areas is provided via the following links.

• Fisherman’s Beach to Battery Point (MU 20/1 – 20/4)
• Battery Point to Sandgate Castle (MU 20/5 – 20/8)
• Sandgate Castle to Marine Point (MU 20/9 – 20/11)
• Marine Point to Marine Walk (MU 20/12- 20/13)
• Marine Walk to Folkestone Harbour (MU 20/14)

The shoreline between Hythe and Folkestone has been defended since the middle of the 19^th Century. The concrete seawalls that now protect this frontage were originally constructed in the 1930's. Now seventy years old and in a poor structural condition, several breaches have occurred in recent years where the facing stones have failed, allowing the weak core material to be washed out, resulting in a collapse.

The primary objective of the Hythe to Folkestone Harbour Coast Protection Scheme is to reduce the risk of seawall failure and coastal flooding. The studies that will be carried out as part of this scheme will also investigate improvement options for the Hythe Coast Protection Scheme, which was implemented in 1996. This will ensure that the required standard of coast protection will continue to be provided and that the scheme will remain sustainable throughout the 50-year strategy period.

For further information please contact Simon Herrington at Shepway District Council