Coastal Management

As 'Coast Protection Authority', the Council and its predecessor has carried out the protection of the coastline since the early 1950s.

This includes all harbour inlets and the open coastline between Emsworth and Pagham. This totals 61km of coast.

The Council actively manages 11km of open coastline between East Head and Pagham Harbour entrance, where erosion of land is the primary risk. Responsibilities for managing the remaining 50km of coast, including the harbour inlets and the open coast (where flooding is the primary risk) varies, as explained throughout these page.

The 11km of coastline we actively manage is characterised by shingle beaches, which are stabilised by 217 timber groynes. We also maintain 4.5km of concrete seawall and 3.5km of timber backwalls, which prevent erosion to the heavily developed land behind.

These coastal management web pages demonstrate how we plan the management of our coastline, what's happening along our coastal frontages and who to contact for help and advice.