Plans to to make popular beach one hour from London bigger

Groynes and extra shingle are being added to Hove beach
-Credit: (Image: Martin Burton/SussexLive)


A popular beach one hour from London is going to be getting an extension. The size of Hove beach will be increased by 25 metres out to sea with thousands of tonnes of shingle set to be added - to curb the risk of flooding.

The planning application submitted on Friday, October 11 by Brighton and Hove City Council details proposes new timber groynes on the beach along Hove Promenade.

They will be supported by the shingle taken from a licenced dredging site in the English Channel. This new field will help slow the movement of shingle along that part of the coastline, protecting it from flooding and erosion.

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The work is set to finish in summer 2026
The work is set to finish in summer 2026 -Credit:Martin Burton/SussexLive

If approved, work is scheduled to get underway in 2025 and will finish in summer 2026. Some 10 million people visit Brighton and Hove every year as it's one of the most popular day trip destinations for Londoners.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport, Parking and Public Realm, said: “This project is vital in helping to protect the city from the long-term risks of flooding and coastal erosion.

“The impact of climate change means we need to act against rising sea levels to protect homes and businesses. The new groyne field and wider beach will help to do that and significantly reduce the amount of shingle that washes up onto the promenade every year. This will mean a more accessible prom and a larger beach for our residents and visitors.”

It comes as part of a wider project to combat erosion along the coast between Brighton Marina and the River Adur in Shoreham. It's primarily funded by the Environment Agency, although councils, businesses and public bodies along the coastline are also contributing to the project.

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