Defence Selection

There are many methods to reduce the risk of coastal flooding and erosion. The Option Appraisal Process helps identify the best flood and coastal defence measures for a project by recognising all potential options and then narrowing them down into the most suitable options.

Longlist Creation

Following Environment Agency guidance, consultations with key groups and advice from technical experts, a ‘Longlist’ of coastal defences is developed. This list is defined as: ‘The initial, comprehensive list of potential defence measures’.

Screening and Refinement

With further consultation and advice, the project team ‘screens out’ unsuitable options and forms a Shortlist. Each Longlist option is reviewed to ensure it meets the project’s objectives and critical success factors, and how it stands up to the key technical, economic, environmental and social criteria.

Challenges and Considerations

The Shortlist options are then developed further and additional information informs the decision on leading options. There are a number of challenges and opportunities to consider such as funding, condition of existing defences and environmental designations.