Decision to grant planning permission for innovative coast protection scheme

Date published: 30th November 2018

Photo shows how the coastline at Bacton and Walcott would look after Sandscaping

A multi-million pound coast protection scheme passed an important hurdle yesterday after members of North Norfolk District Council’s Development Committee agreed to grant it planning permission.

The Sandscaping scheme will see up to 1.8 million cubic metres of sand placed on to the beaches covering a 5.7km length starting north west of Bacton Gas Terminal and ending to the south eastern extent of Walcott.

This would be made up of:

• Approximately 1 million cubic metres in front of Bacton Gas Terminal
• Between 0.5 and 0.8 million cubic metres in front of the villages of Bacton and Walcott.

Estimated scheme costs are between £17 million and £22 million.

The scheme is a joint venture between North Norfolk District Council, the Bacton Terminal Operators, the Environment Agency and a range of other contributors.

The project would create significantly bigger beaches, improved beach access and better protection from the sea for the gas terminal and the villages of Bacton and Walcott. Over time there could be benefits to other villages along the coastline.

Cllr Sarah Butikofer, Leader of North Norfolk District Council, said: “This is an essential piece of work to protect both our Norfolk villages and nationally important infrastructure.

“It is an exciting project that will put North Norfolk on the map for leading the way in innovative technology solutions, tackling climate change on our doorstep.”

There are a range of other steps which need to be completed before the scheme can proceed, including the appointment of a construction contractor, finalisation of funding and a licence from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

As part of the project there has been a wide ranging public consultation, including drop in events in the summer of 2017 seeking feedback from the public.

Subject to securing the necessary permissions and consents, works would likely take place over Spring and Summer 2019.