Coasts CS - Slapton Sands

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

• located in the south hams district in Devon, south west England

Question 2

Brief background

Answer 2

-coastline of high and low energy -> at risk of both coastal flooding and erosion with 48 properties at risk of flooding in torcross
- A379 road at risk o flooding and collapse via erosion (projected economic losses of permanent closure = $30,550,000

Question 3

What has been done

Answer 3

• The slapton line partnership group taking a SMP approach (covering Slapton sands coastline from Torcross in the south to strete gate) (taking consideration of the views of many stakeholders) implemented plans to:
  > Maintain existing 23m concrete sea wall at Torcross (£380,000)
  > maintain 60msheet pile at Torcross
  > upgrade and improve 60m concrete wall at Torcross (£250,000)
  > upgrade and improve rock revetment (£500,000)
  > Manage A379 through reactive realignment, moving road inwards to created a larger barrier between road and sea, creating shingle barriers
  > beach recycling/nourishment (500m of road)

Question 4

The challenges coastal managers have faced in this area

Answer 4

• Closure of A379 during construction will cause disruption:
  Stress on minor roads
  Local businesses
  Tourism
  Access to services

Question 5

What makes the employed management strategies sustainable

Answer 5

• road realignment allow road to be maintained for a further 30 years whilst effects of climate change can be managed (sea level rise)
• after that point, it is likely road will have to become permanently closed (but not thought to occur for another 30-50 years)

Question 6

Will the strategies cause any issues in the long term

Answer 6

• erosion further down coast as sea walls and shingle barrier dissipate waves energy and redirect erosion

Question 7

Benefits

Answer 7

• stakeholders are more considered
• relatively affordable
• works most favourably with coastal processes and recycled material can be taken from areas of beach accretion and re-placed at specific locations whee beach levels are low
  -improves the height and with of the beach, thereby helping to protect the A379 from erosion by providing a buffer to storm activity

Question 8

Costs

Answer 8

• only high value areas are protected
• does not leave a legacy for future generations