Happisburgh

Question 1

Where is Happisburgh?

Answer 1

North Norfolk, UK

Question 2

When did Happisburgh’s SMP begin?

Answer 2

2004

Question 3

What type of engineering is used in Happisburgh?

Answer 3

Soft engineering

Question 4

What kind of geology is in Happisburgh?

Answer 4

Happisburgh’s geology is composed of glacial drift- a coarsely graded layer cake sequence of sand, glacial till and clay. It is susceptible to weathering, mass movement and erosion.

Question 5

At what rate does Happisburgh’s coast retreat?

Answer 5

40 feat a year

Question 6

How is sea level rise effecting Happisburgh?

Answer 6

The global sea level rise of 22-80 cm by 2080 means that isostatic sinking will occur in North Norfolk

Question 7

What was the result of the cost benefit analysis?

Answer 7

Although areas such as Cromer and Sheringham were densely populated large areas of the coast were not. Based on Defra’s point system costs were £6-20 million, but the inherent value was less than £5 million.

Question 8

What is the strategy in Happisburgh?

Answer 8

Managed retreat.

Question 9

What are the negative effects of the SMP on Happisburgh?

Answer 9

Infrastructure and housing lost, housing prices plummet (£1), impossible to insure properties, negative equity, relocation and compensation not forthcoming.

Question 10

What will have happened to Happisburgh by 2055?

Answer 10

The erosion will have slowed, land will have reverted to flooded marsh, a total of 130-150m will have been lost, a total of 10 homes lost in Happisburgh.