Realignment in low-lying coastal areas: UK experiences

The present paper reviews the context of realignment in the UK from both a coastal process and policy context, and explains the approaches that can be adopted to implement realignment. A number of case studies are then presented covering both estuarine managed realignment schemes involving the removal of flood embankments; and natural barriers beaches where realignment is likely. The paper demonstrates that while realignment leads to more natural coasts, such approaches are not without their disadvantages. The breaching of coastal defences, be they natural or man-made, has environmental, social and economic implications. Although policies involving realignment might be the most sustainable solutions in theory, this does not mean that they will be immediately embraced by the public, when they have come to expect continued flood protection. It is suggested that the promulgation of policies involving realignment requires a number of elements including increasing public awareness of coastal change, floodproofing properties, providing temporary defence measures, restricting the development of new properties and considering governmental compensation for affected home owners.