Published: Tuesday, 4th August 2026
Interim works to stabilise part of Hunstanton's coastal defences are being developed following the identification of small amounts of structural movement within a section of the seawall.
The Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk has been closely monitoring sections of the coastal defences. Recent monitoring and an independent engineering assessment have confirmed that the section of seawall located between the Rock Shop Slipway and the Pier Head Building on the North Promenade requires interim works to prevent further deterioration and potential structural failure of the seawall over time.
Digital level monitoring has detected movement within the seawall, while ongoing beach erosion has exposed more than one metre of the sheet piling along the structure. New cracks have also been identified within parts of the seawall and promenade. Independent engineers Fairhurst (UK) Ltd concluded there is a credible and increasing risk of progressive structural failure without intervention.
The interim works will involve the installation of approximately 10,000 tonnes of granite rock armour at the base of a 200-metre section of seawall. The rock armour structure will be approximately nine metres wide and between two and three metres high, providing sufficient mass to stabilise the seawall and prevent further movement until a permanent solution can be delivered.
Cllr Sandra Squire, Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal, said:
"Protecting Hunstanton's coastal defences is essential for the town, its residents, businesses and visitors. The message from our extensive monitoring and independent engineering assessments is clear: action is needed now to stabilise this section of the seawall and prevent further deterioration.
“The situation now requires intervention beyond routine maintenance, which is why we are taking proactive steps. The interim works we are proposing will help to stabilise the seawall and reduce the risk of further deterioration while we continue developing the longer-term coastal defence improvements needed for Hunstanton's future.
"We recognise that work of this scale will generate interest locally, and we are committed to keeping residents, businesses and stakeholders informed throughout the project. While these measures are temporary, they are an important step in safeguarding this section of coastline until a permanent solution can be delivered through the wider capital works programme."
The Council is currently progressing the necessary consenting process for the interim works. Before construction can commence, planning permission and a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation will need to be developed, submitted and secured. Once the necessary permits have been obtained, a programme for works will be finalised and communicated to residents, businesses and stakeholders. Construction is expected to take around 12 weeks to complete.
The granite rock, with individual stones weighing around three tonnes, will be transported to a nearby port before being delivered to Hunstanton by road.
Approximately 300 tonnes of rock is expected to arrive on site each day during construction. Direct delivery by sea to Hunstanton is not possible because of water depth restrictions offshore.
The works are being undertaken as a temporary measure to stabilise the seawall until a permanent solution can be delivered through the wider Hunstanton Coastal Defence Capital Works Project.
Longer term Hunstanton Coastal Defence Capital Works Project
In 2025, geotechnical investigations identified that elements of Hunstanton's coastal defences had reached the end of their designed life and would require replacement through a major capital programme. That project is currently in its pre-construction phase, with construction expected to begin from 2028/29 onwards.
Further details on construction arrangements and any temporary impacts on the seafront will be announced once the required permissions have been obtained.