Christchurch Bay and Harbour FCERM Strategy

A new Flood and Coastal Erosion Management (FCERM) Strategy to guide how the frontage from Hengistbury Head to Hurst Spit, encompassing Christchurch Harbour, will be sustainably managed for the next 100 years.

Climate change is putting significantly more properties, infrastructure and open spaces at risk from coastal flooding and erosion. Calculations have revealed that if we do nothing over the next 100 years, the coastal frontage will suffer around £1 billion in damages which includes erosion risk to approximately 1,600 properties and coastal flood risk to over 2,200 properties (homes and non-residential buildings). The figures are not designed to alarm but to help us evidence and justify doing something to manage the risks.

A new coastal strategyBournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) and New Forest District Council (NFDC) are working together with the Environment Agency (EA) to produce a strategy for Christchurch Bay and Harbour. It will identify where, when and broadly what type of works are needed to manage the risks of coastal flooding and erosion over the next century and roughly what they may cost. It will also consider the effects of predicted climate change on coastal communities, including sea level rise and the increased frequency of storms.

As Coast Protection Authorities, BCP and NFDC do not have a statutory duty to undertake coast protection work, but we can use permissive powers to protect the coastline and work with communities to help them adapt to future coastal change. In addition, along with the EA, BCP (as Lead Local Flood Authority – LLFA) has statutory responsibilities for managing flood risk; Hampshire County Council is the LLFA covering the NFDC area.​

Strategy development – engagement and consultationWe have involved our stakeholders in the development of the Strategy since summer 2021. You can read all of our engagement and consultation findings on the BCP Council Have your Say Christchurch Bay and Harbour Strategy Hub. You can also view the recording of the online presentation from 27 June 2023.

In Winter 2022, the public and key stakeholders had their say on the proposed short list for managing coastal flood and erosion risks. Each of the options were then appraised to assess their economic, technical, environmental and social viability. The process identified the proposed leading options for each of the 18 option development units across the strategy area. These proposals were the focus of the Phase 5 consultation which ran from 5 June to 27 August 2023. 
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Next steps - We are now analysing and considering feedback on the proposed leading options consultation. In Spring 2024, we anticipate that the draft Strategy will be presented for adoption at both BCP Council and New Forest District Council’s Cabinets The Strategy will then be presented to the Environment Agency for final adoption.