Decision

The submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for £150,000 to the Environment Agency’s Coastal Adaptation Programme to replace the existing beach access steps at Cayton Bay is approved, subject to acceptable terms and conditions.

Reasons for the decision

As a Risk Management Authority, North Yorkshire Council has a statutory duty under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to act in accordance with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy. The challenges at Cayton Bay highlight the need to move beyond reactive maintenance and consider adaptive approaches that reflect ongoing coastal change. Submitting an Expression of Interest provides an opportunity to secure funding to manage erosion risk proactively while maintaining and, where possible, improving public access to the beach.

Alternative options considered

Should the Expression of Interest not be submitted, no proactive intervention would be taken, and natural coastal processes would continue to pose an increasing risk to the site and to the provision of safe beach access.