Site 6: Yarmouth
Coastal Change Yarmouth
Exceptional high tides bring occasional flooding to the town of Yarmouth. With a certain combination of conditions (high spring tide combined with a storm surge) properties in your area have flooded. As it is possible that this risk will increase in the future we would like to raise awareness and wish to invite you to become involved in Coastal Change Yarmouth. To find out more you can download our Yarmouth information leaflet (pdf file).
What is the aim of the project?
Coastal Change Yarmouth aims to help the community of Yarmouth understand and minimise the risks of extreme flooding events in the future.
The most recent historical flood event in your area occurred in March 2008. A high tide and storm surge coincided. As a result a number of property owners near the Quay were flooded. If a more extreme flood occurs the water depths could cause more damage and vital services in Yarmouth could become impaired.
This raises a number of concerns, including:
- Potential flood damage to homes, property, belongings and utilities.
- Potential implications for future insurance, value and mortgage of properties.
- The costs of effective ways to protect homes and the town and how it will be paid for.
Following discussions with representatives of the Isle of Wight Council, Yarmouth Town Council, the Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners, and the Yarmouth Coastal Defence Working Group, Coastal Change Yarmouth is currently developing a visual demonstration of how a combination of events at Yarmouth could affect the town.
Help us identify practical solutions
During 2013 Coastal Change Yarmouth will assist the community in planning for increased resistance of properties (stop water entering) and improved resilience (quicker recovery if water enters). An action plan will link well with the Yarmouth Community Flood Plan currently being produced by Yarmouth Town Council.
We would like to work with you to ensure we build on local knowledge. Whether you live or work in the tidal flood risk area in the town, or use Yarmouth’s services as a visitor, we are keen to discuss what practical measures you feel would work best in Yarmouth.
Further information
Coastal Change Yarmouth forms part of CCATCH (Coastal Communities Adapting to Change), a project run by Hampshire County Council and the Solent Forum with the aid of a European Union grant. Similar work is being undertaken in Southampton, Netley, Hayling Island, Lepe and Solent Breezes. For further information please contact Karen McHugh by e-mail or phone on 01962 846027 with your details and we will keep you updated by post or e-mail as you require.
