The draft strategy warns that sea levels could rise by more than a metre by 2120, increasing the number of properties at risk from flooding from around 35 today to more than 500 homes and businesses unless action is taken.
The EA says maintaining the coastline in its current form is not sustainable in the long term.
The proposed strategy aims to protect communities, businesses, infrastructure and internationally important wildlife habitats while helping the coastline adapt to the impacts of climate change over the next 100 years.
However, Lymington councillor Jack Davies, who claimed the strategy could ultimately cost more than £400 million, questioned whether the benefits would justify the expenditure.
He also warned that future changes to Lymington Quay could damage the character of one of the town’s most recognisable areas, saying the plans there “concern me a lot”.
Cllr Davies said: “Whilst we can’t ignore the advice of the experts, the suggestions for what Lymington Quay will look like 40 years in the future would ruin the character of this very special part of Lymington.
“I do wonder if the cost-benefit analysis is accurate.
“The overall cost of this strategy will be at least £400 million. Surely those who live and work along the coast know there is the potential for flood events – even those as cataclysmic as set out by the Environment Agency? Is the cost worth it?”
Despite his concerns, he said some aspects of the strategy appeared sensible.
“However, some of the proposals outlined are very sensible and would be achievable in the medium term,” he said.
“Managed realignment in less densely populated areas, for example.
“Overall, I am very cynical about the cost involved and whether or not the benefits this project provides are worth it.”
The consultation has been launched by the EA and its partners following several years of research into how best to manage flood and erosion risks along the vulnerable stretch of coastline.
Supporting the plans, county councillor Fran Carpenter, who has been involved with the project’s stakeholder group since the beginning, said extensive alternatives had already been explored before the preferred strategy emerged.
She said: “Many different approaches were explored and discussed at length during this process.
“But in the end, the emerging strategy was the only one, as I understand it, that was legally and logistically possible because of the environmental constraints around the sites involved.”
Cllr Carpenter said she believed the strategy represented the best opportunity to protect communities while also meeting environmental obligations.
“Yes, I believe this is the only way to move forward. The strategy also allows flexibility of time frame, should there be any exceptional or unexpected storm events, for example.
“If the strategy moves forward as proposed, this is the best chance, I believe, of safeguarding property, recreation and businesses along the coastline, whilst providing opportunities for the creation and management of essential migrant bird and wildlife habitat.”
She added: “It may not be what all residents hope to see happen, but I hope they will read and understand the detail of why this way forward has been proposed.”
As part of the consultation, residents will have the opportunity to attend a series of public exhibitions and online events to learn more about the proposals and provide feedback.
Public exhibitions and engagement events will take place throughout the consultation period, including:
- July 1, 3pm-7pm, Masonic Hall, Lymington
- July 2, 10am-2pm, Masonic Hall, Lymington
- July 8, 7pm-8.30pm, online webinar
- July 11, 10am-1pm, Lymington Community Centre
- July 24, 11am-4pm, Bridge Centre, Milford on Sea
- September 4, 11am-3pm, St Thomas Parish Church, Lymington
- September 9, 7pm-8.30pm, online webinar
- September 12, 10am-1pm, All Saints Church Hall, Milford on Sea
- September 21, 11am-3pm, Bridge Centre, Milford on Sea
The Environment Agency is encouraging residents, businesses and other stakeholders to review the proposals and submit their views before the consultation closes on September 25.
Further information is available through the Hurst Spit to Lymington Coastal Strategy consultation website.
