East Suffolk Council
Coastal Erosion at Thorpeness
Suffolk has some of the fastest eroding coast in Europe with 2500 homes at direct risk. Data shows a trend of sea level rise with higher tides, more frequent flooding in some low-lying areas and erosion along the coast as beaches narrow and steepen. Thorpeness has both erosion and flood risk, however there are differences between the approaches to these issues and the likely impacts.
Coastal erosion
Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) identify the most sustainable approach for managing the risk from coastal flooding and erosion over the short (0 to 20 years), medium (20 to 50 years) and long (50 to 100) term around our coast.
The council has been working with the community to slow erosion at the Northern end of Thorpeness since the 1970’s.
‘Gabion’ baskets were installed in 1976 to provide some protection to the toe of the soft cliff in front of properties.
Further soft defences were added between 2010 and 2012 including gravel filled geo-bags.
In 2021 significant storm events increased the erosion of the beaches and cliffs at the Northern end and a 35-metre emergency rock revetment was installed.
As sea levels have risen and beaches have lowered & narrowed, the sea has continued to reach the defences and toe of the cliffs, causing further erosion. However, a recent reappraisal shows that the costs of construction, design and materials has increased making the rock scheme unaffordable.
In 2022 a property was removed having reached critical safety levels. Sadly, a further four properties were removed between October 2025 and January 2026.
The Suffolk SMP (No.7) was updated in 2012.
The EA’s national coastal erosion risk map (NCERM) was updated in April 2025. The map shows the areas at risk of coastal erosion.
Check the coastal erosion risk for an area in England - GOV.UK
On 19 January 2026, East Suffolk Council confirmed that it will continue to provide funding to support Thorpeness homeowners faced with the cost of demolishing their homes due to coastal erosion.
The latest position
Coastal defence considerations are no longer just a question of affordability.
Our data shows the ongoing steepening and narrowing of the beach, meaning there is no longer sufficient space to accommodate rock solutions.
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Between December 2024 and April 2025 evidence shows a change in erosion rates. East Suffolk Coastal Management and Adaptation Team created ‘trigger points’ based on the erosion data for coastal management actions, incorporating a plan for the safe removal of properties when critical safety levels are reached. During early 2025 property owners at the northern end were engaged regarding the erosion risk and any housing needs were discussed.
In April 2025 East Suffolk Council received a planning application from residents for a short-term rock scheme. Unfortunately, further erosion has now outpaced the original design. Residents attempted to design a smaller short-term intervention for Winter 2025, however their contractors confirmed this could not be delivered due to access issues and tidal working conditions.
Community engagement
A community meeting was arranged in August 2025 at The Thorpeness Country Club attended by officers and members of East Suffolk Council with a further meeting in October where the Coastal Management and Adaptation Team gave a presentation to share the coastal erosion and the Environment Agency’s (EA) flood risk data, and the challenges of delivering a hard defence with the community. A further online meeting was held in November 2025.
The council will continue to engage with residents who are at risk and those who are concerned.
A weekly update will be issued through the Parish Council and information published in the Aldringham-Cum-Thorpe Newsletter.
A community drop-in will be arranged February/March so we can further address people’s needs and concerns.
Alternatively, residents can contact coastalmanagment@eastsuffolk.gov.uk if they have any queries, concerns or need support.
Community Updates
Tidal flood risk
The Environment Agency (EA) has strategic oversight and manages flooding from main rivers and the sea.
The EA Operations Team have measured current levels in Thorpeness to determine if the erosion has increased the flood risk. Flood risk is not new to Thorpeness. Currently, however, the risk of flooding in Thorpeness remains low.
The EA have released the following statement:
“We do not believe the potential for flooding at Thorpeness has increased since recent coastal erosion, but we will continue to provide the community with clear and reliable advice."
Get flood alerts and warnings and helpful information at www.gov.uk/flood and from Floodline: 0345 988 1188.”
As part of a multi-agency approach, officers from the Environment Agency and East Suffolk Council visited the area on Friday 16 January to speak to residents about the flood risk and signpost them to further information.
The Environment Agency produce flood risk maps for rivers and the sea, reviewed every six years. New data published January 2025 show the potential risks and impacts in flood risk areas.
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Property owners can check their own flood risk.
Check the long term flood risk for an area in England - GOV.UK
