Wednesday 8th November

Experts gave detailed evidence on their studies for both the existing sea wall and the proposed sea defences at today’s public inquiry.

Dr Alan Brampton, technical director for one of the world’s leading sea defence consultancies, HR Wallingford, said in all his 30 years of experience in this field, he had never known a study of beaches and a sea wall design to be subjected to such rigorous scrutiny and review as that being undertaken for Carlyon Bay.

For Dr Brampton’s summary proof of evidence, click here.

Mr Terry Ealey, of Buro Happold Consulting Engineers, said he was responsible for carrying out the calculations for the original sea wall in 2005 as well as checking the design for the proposed sea defences in 2004.

He confirmed that the existing planning permission could be built to satisfactory performance standards.

For Mr Ealey’s summary proof of evidence, click here.

Last in the witness box was Professor William Allsop, technical director for maritime structures with HR Wallingford and also chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Coastal Engineering Advisory Panel. Since 1977 he has also contributed to British Standards guidelines and specialist design manuals produced by groups such as the Construction Industry Research and Information Association.

Professor Allsop said the extant sea wall provides a 1:200 year standard of protection to most apartments in Shorthorn. Exceptions are at the end of blocks (at ‘pinch points’) where standards of protection are lower, due to the buildings being closer to the sea wall. At ground floor these ‘pinch points’ apartments have a standard of protection that is less than 1:75 years, however for first floor apartments the standard of protection is 1:75 years and at second floor it is 1:200 years.

In Crinnis (East and West) most apartments have at least a 1:75 year standard of protection with the extant sea wall. Most apartments at higher levels (first and second floor) and all ‘garden’ apartments, have a 1:200 year or better standard of protection. At the ‘pinch points’, ground and first floor apartments have a standard of protection that is less than 1:75 years. At second floor level at these locations, a 1:75 year standard of protection is provided.

Professor Allsop will continue to give evidence on Thursday 9th November.

For Professor Allsop’s summary proof of evidence, click here.