Partners discuss new plan to deliver Shoreham flood defences
Released: Friday, 18 July 2025
Positive discussions between us and Sussex Yacht Club have brought new hope Shoreham could get extra flood defences soon.
Together we have been working intensively to find a solution to the challenges that have delayed the construction of vital flood defences alongside the A259 Brighton Road from Ferry Bridge to Mariner Point.
Challenges have included questions over the definitive location of public rights of way, access to the site and designs for the project.
Adur District Council and Sussex Yacht Club have worked closely together to ensure a plan is in place so that the remaining obstacles can be overcome, now that West Sussex County Council has confirmed the exact route of a public right of way through the site.
On 4th August 2025, Adur's planning committee is expected to consider an amended planning application for the main flood gate, which reflects the correct route for the right of way.
A report will then be presented to our Joint Strategic Committee this autumn setting out the final cost of the project and when construction work could begin.
If the plans are approved, a robust, steel-piled concrete, brick and flint wall up to 2.2 metres in height would be built to defend dozens of properties from the overflowing River Adur as a result of spring tides and storm weather conditions. Flood gates would form part of the main new defences and allow access to the club and serve the public right of way through the site.
Next to the wall, a broad public footpath will be created to run alongside the A259 Brighton Road from Ferry Bridge to Mariner Point.
Shoreham suffered major flooding in April 2024 when the Adur burst its banks during severe weather combined with a high spring tide. Rising sea levels means the town is under increasing risk of further flood damage during such conditions.
Cllr Jeremy Gardner, the leader of Adur District Council, said:
“This has been a very long process but I'm delighted with the way our discussions about the flood defences are now going with Sussex Yacht Club.
“We both agree that it's absolutely vital that this wall is built to protect the homes and businesses in the low-lying section of the town.”
Robin Stevenson, the commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said:
“Since I took the helm of Sussex Yacht Club just six months ago, this project has quickly become a priority for me and my volunteer committee members. We are very much looking forward to removing obstacles and working closely with Adur District Council to finally deliver this critical piece of infrastructure for our local community.”
Photo: Sussex Yacht Club viewed from the Adur Ferry footbridge
Photo: Flooding on the A259 Brighton Road opposite the Sussex Yacht Club in Shoreham
Photo: Flooding on the A259 Brighton Road at the entrance to the Sussex Yacht Club in Shoreham
(PR25-050)
Page last updated: 18 July 2025