What happened to Phil Merry and Amy Parkinson's clifftop land in Trimingham?

The couple purchased clifftop land in Trimingham for a campsite, but it is highly susceptible to coastal erosion, making building impossible.

Why is the Trimingham coastline unstable?

The cliffs in Trimingham are composed of clay and silt, which are prone to slipping and erosion, leading to landslips.

What recourse do the couple have regarding their Trimingham land purchase?

A district council suggested the couple have routes to consider if they believe they were mis-sold property affected by erosion.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Couple's Clifftop Dream Washed Away by Erosion

Couple's Clifftop Dream Washed Away by Erosion

7 Jan

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Summary

Couple sold home for clifftop land, faced officer's laughter.
Land in Trimingham is highly unstable due to coastal erosion.
Couple now living in caravan while seeking resolution.

Couple's Clifftop Dream Washed Away by Erosion

Phil Merry and Amy Parkinson sold their Nottingham home with dreams of owning a Norfolk campsite. Their chosen site in Trimingham, however, is plagued by significant coastal erosion. Despite deeds suggesting gradual loss, a planning officer reportedly dismissed their building aspirations with laughter, citing the unstable coastline.

The Norfolk coast, particularly Trimingham, is known for its clay and silt cliffs that erode easily. An 18th-century farmhouse previously teetered on the edge before demolition, symbolizing the area's geological instability. This ongoing erosion has claimed numerous properties over two decades.

The couple now faces living in a touring caravan while attempting to resolve the issue, lamenting that they bought land unsuitable for their plans. A district council spokesperson acknowledged that erosion risks aren't always disclosed in sales and advised the couple on potential recourse if they believe they were mis-sold.