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A holiday homeowner in Thorpeness, a village grappling with the effects of coastal erosion, has expressed fears that her property could be next to face demolition.
Demolition crews arrived at 22 North End Avenue on Monday, commencing the demolition of what will be the fourth property in the Suffolk village this winter.
Significant portions of the coastline have succumbed to erosion, a process exacerbated by recent severe weather events.
Teresa Lane, who owns a residence on Old Homes Road in the village’s oldest section, conveyed her distress, stating she felt “sick” witnessing the plight of her neighbors’ homes.
“There’s also a feeling of powerlessness. We recognize our inability to control the sea’s actions, but the fear of flooding and associated risks is very real here.”
When asked about the potential loss of her own property, she responded, “Very much so.”
“Until about six months ago, I wasn’t concerned. But now, we wake up in the middle of the night fearing that it could happen.”
“Considering the visible erosion and the ongoing demolitions in our vicinity, I believe it’s a real possibility if swift action isn’t taken.”
Richard Bennett, a property owner at the Headlands on Admirals Walk, noted that the recent erosion, which has occurred since Christmas, was unexpected.
“It’s a significant surprise because we anticipated this unfolding over the next decade,” he explained.
“From our perspective, this is happening 10 years sooner than we anticipated.”
He added, “The recent storms have brought in substantial swells, and the sandbanks that once protected Thorpeness have shifted, a process that defies prediction.”
“We face a weather and climate challenge that is both unpredictable and increasingly severe.”
“I don’t believe anyone can be personally blamed for this.”
The Warren, The Chantry, and Cheneys, all located on North End Avenue, have been demolished this winter due to erosion, following the demolition of The Red House in 2022.
East Suffolk Council, the lead authority, initially believed erosion had slowed towards the end of last year. However, recent severe weather has resulted in further coastal destruction.
The council estimates that nine other properties are at risk.
On Monday, a council spokesperson emphasized that safety was the primary concern and urged the public to avoid the cliffs and beach.
They added, “While there are no viable long-term solutions to halt erosion in Thorpeness, we are working diligently with residents, the Environment Agency, and the local MP to address this developing situation and explore potential short-term measures that may slow the erosion.”
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, the Suffolk Coastal MP, visited the village over the weekend with the Environment Agency to engage with affected residents, but cautioned others to stay away.
Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk’s Wayne Bavin, she noted that “many people” were traveling to the village to observe the eroded cliffs.
“I understand there’s a lot of interest in this; these families are experiencing an incredibly difficult time, but it’s also simply unsafe on the coast,” said the Labour MP.
“If you can refrain from visiting the area, it would be helpful and would afford the families the dignity and space they need to process what’s happening.”
The Environment Agency stated that its role is to provide advice and guidance and acknowledged the impact of the erosion on the community.
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It is understood a further property in Thorpeness will also be demolished in the coming days.
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