§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has for managed retreat schemes in Essex; and if she will make a statement. [13922]
§ Mr. MorleyOperational management of flood and coastal erosion risk in England is a matter for local operating authorities—the Environment Agency (EA), local authorities and internal drainage boards. The Government require them to consider a range of options when considering their response to the risk, including managed realignment where appropriate (sometimes called managed retreat). I understand the EA is actively progressing two schemes involving realignment in Essex at present, namely Abbot's Hall in the Blackwater estuary and Brandy Hole on the river Crouch.
980WI also understand the EA is currently undertaking strategy studies of the Essex Estuaries which will involve consideration of managed realignment as an option for other sites in the future.