A woman who had to tear down three cliffside homes to prevent them from falling into the sea is now planning to build four more in the same location. Anne Jones, 54, had to demolish the homes in the Suffolk village of Easton Bavents after a storm left them teetering on the edge of the cliff. Despite the cliff eroding at a rate of 15 feet per year, Anne is determined to rebuild. The homes, estimated to cost £200,000 each, will be made from timber and designed to be disassembled and moved as the cliff wears away.
Future-Proofing Against Climate Change
Anne Jones is hoping to become a trailblazer with her unique solution to the erosion problem. She acknowledges the impact of climate change and global warming, stating that they are only getting worse. She believes that future-proofing the homes is crucial, as the properties move five meters closer to the cliff edge each year. While Anne hopes the homes will not need to be taken apart in her lifetime, she recognizes the need to adapt to the ever-evolving environment.
Trailblazing Design
The planning application for the new homes highlights their innovative design and functionality. The homes are described as "collapsible" and designed for ease of assembly, disassembly, and reuse. If the encroaching sea threatens the homes, they can be easily disassembled, relocated to another site, and re-erected. This design feature allows for flexibility in the face of changing natural conditions.
Replacing Demolished Homes
The four new homes are intended to replace the three demolished East End Cottages and Warren House, which is still standing. Warren House, currently 187 feet from the cliff face, will need to be demolished by 2040. The planning application is currently under review by East Suffolk Council, with a decision expected in around eight weeks' time.
For more information, please contact East Suffolk Council.
