costal erosion line a new request

Summary

The request sought internal Cabinet Office records regarding the coastal erosion line for Kirk Michael in the Draft Area Plan for the North & West. The authority provided partial information, including a 2021 email discussing the Coastline Management Zone and excerpts from a 2016 JBA Consulting report on flood risks.

Key Facts

• The response includes an email from Fiona Huyton dated 24 June 2021 regarding the Coastline Management Zone for Kirk Michael.
• A 2016 report by JBA Consulting titled 'National Strategy on Sea Defences, Flooding and Coastal Erosion' was referenced.
• The report identifies Peel, Kirk Michael, Ballaugh, Andreas, and The Ayres as key areas for the Area Plan for the North and West.
• Peel Harbour has 38 properties at risk from still water flooding over a 200-year return period.
• The outcome of the request was 'Some information sent but part exempt'.

Data Disclosed

• 24 June 2021
• 2007
• 2000
• June 2016
• 200 year return period
• 38 properties
• 25 Properties
• 1 in 10 years
• 1 in 100 year
• 2115
• 770 new homes
• 2016

Original Request

Freedom of Information Coordinator Cabinet Office Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Dear Sir or Madam, Freedom of Information Request - Internal Records Relating to the Coastal Erosion Line (Kirk Michael) I am submitting this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2015. This request concerns internal Cabinet Office records relating to the designation and use of the coastal erosion line for Kirk Michael within the Draft Area Plan for the North & West. For clarity, this is a new and separate request from FOI 5093521. 1. Internal correspondence and briefing material Please provide copies of any internal Cabinet Office correspondence, including emails, memos, meeting notes, or inter‑departmental communications, that refer to, discuss, or rely upon the coastal erosion line used in the Draft Area Plan for the North & West. Please also provide any briefing notes, internal guidance, or explanatory material held by the Cabinet Office relating to the erosion line, its purpose, or its application in the plan‑making process. 2. Receipt or use of property impact information Please confirm whether the Cabinet Office has ever received, reviewed, referenced, or relied upon any lists, datasets, maps, or summaries identifying residential properties affected by the coastal erosion line in Kirk Michael. If such information has been received or reviewed, please provide copies of the material held. 3. Internal reports, studies, or assessments Please provide any internal reports, assessments, analyses, or studies held by the Cabinet Office that relate to, inform, or reference the coastal erosion line in Kirk Michael, including any documents that summarise, interpret, critique, or rely upon external reports (such as those published on the Flood Hub). 4. Record of searches conducted To assist in understanding the scope of information held, please provide a description of the searches undertaken to identify the information requested above, including systems searched, search terms used, and the date range covered. Format I request that the information be provided electronically. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe.

Data Tables (4)

Full Response Text

From: Huyton Fiona To: Brown Diane (CO); Grubb Ethan; Subject: Coastline Management Zone for Kirk Michael Date: 24 June 2021 16:58:12 Attachments: Coastline Management Zone (Kirk Michael) Designation Order 2007.pdf Posford Duvivier Erosion Rates Plan 2000.pdf image002.png Hi All Please see extent of the Coastline Management Zone for Kirk Michael, together with erosion rates calculated in 2000. Under current legislative provisions, the Trout Farm is definitely out for commercial use…. although maybe it could be re-developed as a glamping site? See you Tuesday. Kind Regards Fiona fiona Consider the environment, please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to Any views expressed in this email are those of the officer only and are without prejudice to any formal decision made under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1999 and any relevant secondary legislation. 1 National Strategy on Sea Defences, Flooding and Coastal Erosion: Evidence Report Notes In June 2016, the above report was completed by JBA Consulting. The report compiled research on the varying levels of flood risk at locations across the Island. In relation to the Area Plan for the North and West, the following areas are explored in detail; • A5 - Peel • A6 - Kirk Michael • A7 - Ballaugh • A8 - Andreas • A9 - The Ayres • A10 – Ramsey Further to the above areas, the report also details several “outliers” of which the following are included within the boundary of the Area Plan for the North and West; • Jurby • St, John’s
• Ballavaish • Glen Maye • Greeba • Tynwald Mils • Corrany The following document aims to provide notes on two of the major considerations with regard to flooding and coastal erosion in the formulation of the Area Plan for the north and west; the River Neb Flood Report and the Assessment of Coastal Erosion on the Island’s North West Coast (Parishes of Michael, Ballaugh and Jurby in particular).
A5 E: Peel

E1: Peel Action Area Map

2 Area Includes: Peel and the River Neb Sources of Risk: Largely surface water and foul/combined sewer flooding, but some fluvial issues associated with the Neb and coastal flooding: Peel Harbour still water flooding, 38 properties at risk from still water flooding over a 200 year return period and Peel Open Water Wave Overtopping 25 Properties at Risk from wave overtopping in a 200 year return period. Historic Risk: The flood history is fluvial and surface water. Previous flooding 8 times in 90 years meaning the annual probability of flooding is around 1 in 10 years. Current assessment of risk: There is a history of a high risk of both fluvial and surface water flooding throughout the urban area of Peel. Peel currently has a 1 in 100 year’s standard of protection from tidal flooding but this could decrease to a 1 in 1 year by 2115. Current standard of protection from wave overtopping is 1 in 100 years.
Assessment of future risk: The area has been identified as very sensitive to increased rates of flooding due to the impacts of climate change. In addition to this, Peel had 770 new homes proposed in in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (2016). With regard to the emerging Area Plan for the North and West, the JBA consulting report recommends that any future development in this area be “carefully planned to insure that flood risk is not increased”.
Recommendations: The area is at risk of flooding from multiple sources and therefore small scale surface water/combined sewer/fluvial schemes and flood awareness are likely to be required rather than major structural solutions. Upland attenuation may be possible. Proposed scheme for the coastal design report is a setback sea wall but this is planned in the longer term 3 Sources of risk Surface water flooding Historic risk Properties effected in Rhencullen in 2010 following extreme weather Assessment risk
14 properties at risk of surface water flooding, historic flooding at Rhencullen, agricultural land at risk of surface water flooding 1 in 100 years. Overall low risk Assessment of future risk Low sensitivity to climate change, surface water flood risk likely to increase in future, but not significantly Recommendations No specific schemes required. Recommend awareness raising with local community, including farmers plus development of community resilience responses e.g. local flood plan, property level protection due to previous flooding. Also suggest natural responses to flood management such as flood storage should be considered.
4 Kirk Michael Erosion risk:

NOTE According to modelling by JBA Consulting, the economic damages (potential) in Kirk Michael for coastal erosion are significantly higher than that associated with flooding in the village (£4,800,468 and £8,967,630 respectively). Despite this, the no, of properties at risk is significantly higher when discussing flooding in the village compared to coastal erosion (14 to 4) respectively.

Sources of risk Coastal erosion. Using a regression approach which projects forward the historical rate of erosion, by 2035 no properties are expected to be lost, by 2065, one property and by 2115 an additional three properties could be lost to coastal erosion on the western edge of Kirk Michael.

Historic risk Recent evidence has suggested that the coastline between Glen Wyllin and Balleira is being eroded by around a metre per year

Assessment of current risk Currently there is only a risk of coastal erosion impacting properties between 2065 and 2115. Only four properties are at risk within this period. Coastal erosion schemes are invariably expensive and the benefits may not justify the costs. However, more work is needed to understand erosion rates to ensure the risk is not being underestimated.

Assessment of risk in future This location is ranked as the third most sensitive location to future changes across the Island. Although only four properties are expected to be lost over the next 100 years, coastal erosion projections show that 48 properties could be lost by 2215. The properties at risk may justify a coastal erosion scheme in the medium to long term as climate change may increase the speed of future coastal erosion due to rising sea levels and increased storminess. If the projected 200 year contour level was reached in the next 100 years considering the location of future development now and ensuring this is not within the projected extent is important. Recommendations
5 Medium term option may be to retreat from the four properties at risk between 2065 and 2115 and consider the need for a scheme at a later date. However erosion is episodic and could occur sooner so there is a need for ongoing monitoring. A study and ground investigation is required to understand the rates of erosion and whether a low cost option could be identified to reduce risk to the four properties. Planning policy should ensure that there is no new development within the 100 year erosion contour.

The above represents notes on Appendix B of the National strategy on sea defences, flooding and coastal erosion, a section which comprises Action Area and Outlier Analysis. Whilst this document does not comprise the findings of the whole report, it does represent a detailed commentary on the 6 report’s methodology. Further to this, table 5-2 in the main report document summarises the action area analysis, with the following Western and Northern areas being mentioned:

7

As representatives from Cabinet Office sit on the Flood Advisory Group (FAG), discussions in relation to the Leighany Ponds Project were noted. The River Leighany flows through, and essentially under the town of Ramsey, emptying into the harbour. Contact will be made with the MUA in respect to their plans for further management of the water course. At present, a section of the river is managed by way of being contained within a large tank adjacent to the Swan Public House in Parliament Sq. It is assumed that the function of this tank is to maintain a steady and manageable flow of water under the urban fabric of Ramsey as to mitigate the risk of flooding and/or subsidence.
At the time of writing the future plans with regards to the Ligtney are unknown. follow up with e-mail to MUA

8 From: Brown, Diane (CO) To: Selman, Richard Cc: Chance, Jennifer; Grubb, Ethan; Huyton, Fiona; Subject: RE: Western Plan: Kirk Michael coast Date: 05 November 2020 10:28:00 Attachments: image001.png Thanks Richard   This is really helpful and we will note the evidence when we turn our minds once again to the North and West which will towards the end of the month now.   Kind Regards   Di     From: Selman, Richard Richard.Selman@gov.im Sent: 05 November 2020 10:09 To: Brown, Diane (CO) Diane.Brown@gov.im Cc: Chance, Jennifer Jennifer.Chance@gov.im Subject: Western Plan: Kirk Michael coast   Diane,   I was just in the JBA evidence report for the flood and coastal protection strategy. For the Kirk Michael coast it states: JBA recommendation: ‘Planning policy should ensure that there is no new development within the 100 year erosion contour’. Whilst this isn’t a Strategy action, I thought that I should note this to you. Note also, the responsibility for this strategy is now moving to the DoI. Also, the DoI already has plans for coastal protection works in that area which may or may not come forward before implementation of the Western Plan. These have been progressed rapidly and if funded, could happen quickly, depending on the political determination. Nevertheless, a policy of not building anything that needs to be long-lasting, within a 100 year erosion contour, would seem appropriate on rapidly eroding coastlines (north and west). Richard Dr RG Selman,   Ecosystem Policy Manager Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture,  Thie Slieau Whallian,  Foxdale Road,  St John's,  Isle of Man,  IM4 3AS Tel (direct) +44 (0)1624 695740 Tel. DEFA +44 (0)1624 685835  Fax +44 (0)1624 685851  Email Richard.Selman@gov.im  Website: www.gov.im/defa A special place for people and nature. Boayl er-lheh son sleih as najoor.   DEFA - working for a clean, safe, healthy, attractive and vibrant environment which will be enjoyed by present and future generations alike. 9   Our Island, Our Environment, Our Future.   WARNING  If you are not the intended addressee of this e-mail, you must not copy or deliver it to anyone else or use it in any unauthorised manner.   10 National Strategy for Sea Defences, Flooding and Coastal Erosion 2016 Risk based assessment Priority based upon risk v. property values, infrastructure and amenity Report also references the following reports: • Coastal Erosion Study at Kirk Michael, An Interim Report to Tynwald • DoT Report into Coastal Erosion on the northern coasts of the Isle of Man Clusters of hot spots identified. Three or more clusters of hot spots equates to the need for a management area, and possibly an Action Area. 23 Priority Locations, with 13 needed intervention in the short term, including Peel, Ramsey, Sulby and the Ayres. Future intervention areas are Andreas, Ballaugh and Kirk Michael. Kirk Michael has three action areas.
Coastal Erosion: Kirk Michael The coastal erosion contour represents a projected 100 year future erosion trend, based on past rates of coastal erosion over the last 150 years, although this is caveated, having regard to rising sea levels associated with climate change. Action Plan F2: Kirk Michael Coastal Erosion Ranking:
23 out of 100 Present Risk:
Low Risk in 2060:
High Assessment of Risk: currently there is only a risk of coastal erosion impacting properties between 2065 and 2115. 3 residential properties plus a commercial fish farm are at risk within this period. However the assessment is based on projecting forward historic rates that may underestimate the risk and local community concerns are high. There is a need for a better understanding of the level of risk. Climate change sensitivity assessment suggests a significant increase in the number of properties at risk.
Recommendation: medium term option may be to retreat from the four properties at risk between 2065 and 2115 and consider the need for a scheme at a later date. The properties at risk may justify a coastal erosion scheme in the medium to long term as climate change may increase the speed of future coastal erosion due to rising sea levels and increased storminess. Ongoing monitoring of erosion rates is essential. A study and ground investigation is required to better understand the rates of erosion. Planning policy should ensure that there is no new development within the 100 year erosion contour.

11 Coastline Management Act 2005 The Act makes provision for the management of designated coastline zones by regulating development. The Kirk Michael frontage between the Glen Balleira stream and the Glen Wyllin stream was designated as a Coastline Management Zone in 2007. Section 4: Regulation of development in a coastline management zone
(1) Subject to subsection (2), no building, engineering, mining or other operations may be carried out in, on, over or under a coastline management zone.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to —
(a) operations carried out pursuant to section 5;
(b) operations carried out pursuant to a planning approval under the Town and Country Planning Act 1999 where a development plan under section 2 of that Act has been made in respect of the relevant coastline management zone or the relevant land within that zone and the plan contains a statement that it has been formulated having regard to the existence of the relevant coastline management zone;
(c) operations for the repair or maintenance of a building or structure erected before the building fell within a coastline management zone;
(d) other operations undertaken by — (i) the Department; or (ii) any person, in respect of which advance written notice has been given to and approved in writing by the Department; and
(e) any other operations for the installation or maintenance of electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, drainage, roads, railways or paths which are necessary for any of the operations referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) but only if carried out in a manner consistent with good practice as required by the Department for the purposes set out in section 2(2).
(3) Any person who carries out any operation in contravention of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5,000.
(4) Sections 26, 27 and 37 of, and Schedule 4 to, the Town and Country Planning Act 1999 (enforcement notices, stop notices and injunctions) apply with any necessary modifications to an operation carried out in contravention of subsection (1) as they apply to an operation carried out in breach

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