This Is Guernsey

By Simon Tostevin

ENVIRONMENT wants a study carried out which could lead to the sea wall at L’Ancresse being abandoned. That is despite public concern over the ‘do nothing’

recommendation in a consultant’s report.

The document, by Royal Haskoning, predicts steady erosion of the common.

The department wants to spend £33,000 on a detailed analysis of the area between Fort Pembroke and L’Ancresse to refine and reassess the viability of abandoning the wall.

The report into the coastal defences, which was commissioned by the department, found that without major investment the central wall between Pembroke and L’Ancresse was likely to fail within the next three years.

Even with major work, an increasing amount would have to be spent on it in future.

The Haskoning report added that further examination would be required to assess the impact on the golf course, but that the developed area would not be affected.

‘From the assessment made in this strategy and without a broader scale plan for the area, the conclusion of the strategy is to revise the policy to one of no further active intervention,’ said the report.

Alternative options include repairing and rebuilding the sea wall and using detached breakwaters, but none of these is said to be economically viable based solely on protection of existing assets.

Environment minister David De Lisle said that no decision had been taken to abandon any of the sea defences.

‘The assumption is misplaced. In addition, the report clearly states the need for further studies to determine the severity and acceptability of overtopping, flooding or erosion in those coastal units where defence performance is questioned.

‘In the absence of such studies, the presumption that erosion, flooding or overtopping will be so significant as to be unacceptable is, if not misplaced, premature.’

He added that the defences generally were in good condition.

The most immediate work could be prioritised and paid for from the department’s general revenue budget.

‘More major works potentially required are generally preceded by the need to carry out detailed modelling, consultation, analysis and engineering design before a firm commitment can be made towards any strategy or coastal defence improvement programme.’

In addition to the L’Ancresse study, investigations earmarked for this year and next include a detailed assessment of the risk of flooding at Rocquaine and L’Eree Bay costing £20,400 and a detailed flood-risk study to the northern section of the island from Le Guet around to La Salerie at a cost of £32,250.

Consultation into sea-wall raising will also take place in relation to Rocquaine and L’Eree, Le Guet to Grandes Rocques, Spur Point to La Salerie and La Vallette.