Hurst Spit to Lymington Draft Strategy Consultation

Overview

Hurst Spit to Lymington Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy – Public Consultation

On 19 June 2026, the Hurst Spit to Lymington Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy launch a public consultation, inviting local communities and stakeholders to share their views on the long-term management proposals for the coastline between Hurst Spit and Lymington.

The consultation presents the Draft Strategy, developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Natural England, and JBA Consulting. It sets out how the area could adapt to climate change, rising sea levels, and increasing flood and coastal erosion risks over the next 100 years.

The Draft Strategy aims to protect communities, enhance natural habitats, and support a resilient and sustainable coastline for future generations. However, this 15 km stretch of coastline is facing significant and increasing pressures as a result of climate change.

• Sea levels are projected to rise by over 1 metre by 2120, increasing flood risk.
• The number of properties at risk could increase from 35 today to more than 500, including both homes and businesses.
• Valuable habitats such as saltmarsh and mudflats are at risk of loss due to coastal squeeze.

The Strategy recognises that maintaining the coastline in its current condition is not sustainable in the long term and proposes a new, adaptive approach to managing future risks.

(Image above) Strategy Area 

Background

The Strategy is a culmination of many years work, taking into account all sources of flooding and coastal erosion.

The Draft Strategy identifies and recommends options to manage flood and coastal erosion risks in a way that is both sustainable and adaptive over the long term. It considers a 100-year planning horizon, with the aim of finalising and adopting the Strategy by 2027. It will set out a clear programme of projects for delivery on the ground and once approved, implementation subject to funding of projects will begin.

Key themes include:

• Reducing flood risk to people, homes, businesses and infrastructure
• Working with nature, including creating new habitats
• Balancing environmental protection with community needs
• Supporting sustainable, affordable solutions over time

(Image above) Hurst Spit, Source: New Forest District Council

Why your views matter

We are seeking your views on the following documents; 

• Draft Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy
• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

The consultation runs from the 19 June through to 25 September 2026

Draft Strategy

This consultation provides an opportunity for residents, buinesses, visitors and stakeholders to:

• Review the Preferred Pathways
• Share views on how well the Draft Strategy reflects local priorities
• Highlight any concerns, local knowledge or additional consideration

Your feedback will be used to refine the Strategy before it is finalised. 

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) evaluates the potential environmental effects of the Strategy. Its primary purpose is to ensure that environmental protection and sustainability are embedded in high-level decision-making from the outset.

The SEA considers a wide range of topics, including biodiversity, coastal processes, heritage, climate, carbon, geology and soils, landscape and visual effects, material assets, and population and human health.

It identifies and reports on likely environmental effects, proposes appropriate mitigation measures, and outlines how these effects will be monitored over time.

To respond specifically to the SEA, please visit:Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategic Environmental Assessment Consultation

Supporting Information and Reports

To support your response, a range supporting documents and technical resources including;

• Non-Technical Summary Draft Strategy
• Non-Technical Summary Strategy Environmental Report 
• Full Strategic Environmental Report
• Habitat Regulations Assessment
• Implementation Plan
• Modelling Summaries

These documents can be accessed at: www.hurstspit2lymington.co.uk/consultation

Your views on these findings are important.