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Coastal Defence Fails Homeowner: House Set for Demolition
14 Apr
Summary
- New coastal defences stopped short of a campaigner's home.
- The community raised £250,000 towards the £550,000 defence project.
- The council offered to cover the cost of demolition for unprotected homes.
In Thorpeness, Suffolk, campaigner Sophie Marple faces the demolition of her home after coastal defences, for which she fundraised extensively, do not extend to her property. Villagers contributed £250,000, with East Suffolk Council adding £300,000, to create a £550,000 defence scheme. However, this barrier stops just before Ms. Marple's and her neighbour Meg Walker's homes, while protecting empty land.
Ms. Marple expressed dismay, calling the situation unjust as she and her neighbour face the same erosion risks as protected properties. The council explained that extending the defences to cover only two homes would be strategically, technically, environmentally, and financially infeasible. They have offered financial assistance for the safe removal of Ms. Marple's property, a situation also facing Ms. Walker's historic holiday cottage.
