Residents in the Norfolk village of Hemsby are confronting the harsh reality of accelerating coastal erosion, with many being forced to evacuate their homes and some selling empty plots of land to recoup financial losses. The coastline, described as Britain's most eroded, has receded dramatically over the past three decades, with recent storms exacerbating the situation.
Storm Goretti in January led to the evacuation of clifftop homes after severe erosion left properties teetering on the brink of collapse. In just one week, approximately 30 feet of land was lost, prompting 14 residents to be served with evacuation notices. Since 2013, a total of 36 properties in the area have been lost or demolished.
The erosion has now reached Fakes Road, a street where dozens of homes have been demolished this year alone. Residents report that land surveys conducted when they purchased their homes, assuring them of a 100-year lifespan for their properties, proved inaccurate, with the coast reaching them in as little as five years.
Two plots of land on Fakes Road are currently listed for auction at £10,000 and £8,000, with advertisements suggesting their suitability for mobile homes or caravans. However, some locals express concern that these plots may be purchased by travelers, leading to an increase in mobile home occupation on the now-empty sites.
Affected residents are not receiving compensation for their lost properties. In addition to facing the remainder of their mortgage payments on demolished homes, they are also responsible for any associated demolition or beach clean-up costs. Standard home insurance policies do not typically cover properties lost to coastal erosion, leaving previous residents who have lost their homes without payouts.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council offers support for residents who wish to demolish their homes. However, if a Section 78 notice is issued for urgent demolition due to imminent danger, the costs may fall upon the homeowner. Some residents have accused the council of "scaremongering" them into demolishing their homes prematurely.
One resident, David Martin, 72, who has lived in his home for 35 years, expressed his frustration, stating, "I'm 72, I have had a stroke and two heart attacks. What do I do when they knock my house down? Where are we going to go? We're not getting any money or anything." He estimates he has only three years left in his home and feels he is "back to where I was when I first bought a house and trying to save enough money" for another home, rather than enjoying retirement.
Debbie Rees, 62, and her neighbor Richard, 53, also voiced their concerns, accusing the council of pressuring homeowners to leave. Rees, who has lived on the street for five years, stated that her home survey indicated it would last her "lifetime," but now feels the council's aim is for the area to "go back to nature."
Ian Lawes, 62, who lost his wife 18 months ago, is facing the prospect of losing his home of 16 years. He expressed his emotional distress, noting that he would likely need to purchase another house, incurring a new mortgage. He is concerned about the potential demolition bill, estimated between £20,000 and £30,000, stating, "Their preparedness plan, as they call it, prepares them for the demolition side of it but nothing else. There is no compensation."
Valerie Nash, 82, who purchased her home in 2017, was initially told she had 50 to 75 years before erosion would affect her property. She expressed disappointment that Hemsby is not receiving coastal defenses, unlike other villages along the Norfolk coast, where projects like a £2 million sea wall between Happisburgh and Winterton have been implemented.
A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council acknowledged the "extremely difficult winter" and the unprecedented rate of coastal erosion, with dunes losing about 50% of the erosion predicted for the next 30 years. The council stated that staff are liaising with residents to ensure safety, offering support and advice, and explaining available options. They are also working with those who have lost their homes to assist with alternative housing solutions. The council noted that while they can order demolitions, they cannot legally offer compensation for properties lost to coastal erosion, and are advocating with the government for legislative and funding changes to better support affected communities.