Action plan launched for sand and flood issues at Instow beach

Instow: An action plan is underway to manage sand and flooding at Instow beach. This follows a recent meeting where stakeholders agreed on necessary steps.

Local residents had raised concerns after winter storms caused significant sand movement and flooding. This affected roads, homes, and businesses along the seafront.

The meeting took place at All Saints Community Centre on January 16. It focused on short-term actions to clear sand buildup from the storms. They also discussed updating the beach management plan for long-term solutions.

Everyone agreed to speed up actions and permissions. This will allow for more flexibility in addressing the issues quickly.

Plans are now being developed, and resources are being identified for the sand movement project. The Gazette has confirmed that this process is already in motion.

Representatives from various organizations attended the meeting, including Instow Parish Council and the Environment Agency. They recognized the complexity of the situation.

Parish councillor Eliot Johnson reported that it was encouraging to see everyone working together. While there’s no simple solution, there’s a strong commitment to manage the issues effectively.

Instow beach is partly owned by the Christie Estate and is part of a protected site. Natural England oversees this area, which is crucial for coastal defense and flood risk management.

The dunes play an important role in this ecosystem. They need a steady supply of sand to function properly, making it essential to return displaced sand to the dunes.

This area is also part of the North Devon Biosphere, highlighting its national significance. Various regulations are in place to ensure careful management of the beach and dunes.