Happisburgh

Question 1

Why is Happisburgh vulnerable?

Answer 1

Cliffs made of soft sand on top of clay so easily eroded.
Long fetch from the North Sea creates strong destructive waves.
Narrow beaches offer little protection to cliffs behind.
Sea level rise and increased storm frequency is increasing rate of erosion.

Question 2

Population?

Answer 2

850

Question 3

When did the council stop defending the coast?

Answer 3

1995

Question 4

Social impacts?

Answer 4

1) Residents must be relocated to other parts of Norfolk.
2) Cramped temporary living conditions as people forced to move from dangerous housing.
3) Risk to people on beaches from cliff collapse.
4) Houses are now uninsurable and reduced to £1 value.

Question 4

Economic impacts?

Answer 4

1) There has been a declining number of tourists to the area.
2) It can be expensive to dismantle homes before they collapse.
3) Local business Happisburgh teashop was forced to close.

Question 5

Environmental impacts?

Answer 5

1) Loss of cliff habitats for local wildlife.

2) There is pollution of the environment as building rubble falls into the sea.

Question 7

How many houses have been washed away so far?

Answer 7

25

Question 8

How much would it cost to defend?

Answer 8

£15 million