Support for Temporary Defences at Thorpeness

Sunday, 8 March 2026 19:15

Properies have been demolished over recent months because of coastal erosion at Thorpeness

Support has been agreed for temporary coastal defences which will provide short-term protection for homes at Thorpeness.

At a meeting of East Suffolk Council’s cabinet, funding was agreed to support the urgent installation of rock bags on the beach in front of homes in the Old Homes Road area. Expected to last between two and five years, the rock bags aim to slow erosion and reduce the risk of flooding through wave overtopping to a number of homes and allow time for further future options to be considered.

A privately funded rock bag scheme has been agreed and work to install the bags has begun. This first phase of work, which will cover a 50m area, is expected to cost £270,000.

Additionally, East Suffolk Council has agreed to fund an extension to the rock bag scheme, which will extend approximately 50-70m northward. This phase will be funded by the Council, at an estimated cost of £300,000.

Both phases of the scheme will be delivered by a single contractor to save time and costs, resulting in one long short-term temporary defence.

Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management said: "We have seen devastating erosion at Thorpeness over the past few months, resulting in the tragic loss of several homes. We are continuing to do all we can to protect the community and whilst there are no permanent solutions which will stop the erosion completely, the rock bag scheme will offer some temporary respite, giving us time to consider options for a medium-term solution.”

Once installed, the Council will ensure the ongoing maintenance of the rock bags and will monitor the effect of the scheme on nearby coastal processes. Planning permission for the scheme is required however this will be sought retrospectively given the urgent nature of the works.

The full scheme is anticipated to be completed by Easter.