Work set to begin on Shoreham flood defences in the new year
Released: Wednesday, 10 December 2025
Work on additional flood defences to protect Shoreham from the River Adur is set to begin early next year.
Councillors last night gave officers approval to appoint contractors to construct defences alongside the A259 Brighton Road at Sussex Yacht Club to protect dozens of homes and businesses if the Adur overflows in a storm.
The approved plans are for a robust, steel-piled concrete, brick and flint wall up to 2.2 metres in height, featuring flood gates that will allow access to the yacht club and serve the public right of way through the site.
A contractor is expected to be appointed early in 2026 so that work would begin on site in the spring. The project would then be intended to be completed that autumn.
Councillor Becky Allinson, Adur's cabinet member for regeneration and economy, said:
“These flood defences are absolutely vital for the protection of those parts of Shoreham that are the most vulnerable during storms.
“I'm delighted that after years of obstacles, this project will now be able to move forward so that we can help keep our residents and businesses safe from flooding.”
We have worked closely with the yacht club over recent months to overcome a number of challenges to the project, including the issues around public rights of way and access to the site.
Required changes to the designs for the scheme and a rise in building prices have led to the forecasted cost of the project increasing by around £950,000. However we have secured extra funding from the Environment Agency to cover the additional cost, ensuring Adur taxpayers will not have to foot the bill.
When the project is completed, a pathway will run alongside the northern side of the flood wall between Mariner Point and the Shoreham footbridge, allowing better and safer access for pedestrians past the yacht club.
The rising sea level means Shoreham is under increasing risk of further flood damage during severe weather so it's vital that this wall is built to protect the homes and businesses in the low-lying section of the town.
Photo: the A259 Brighton Road at the Sussex Yacht Club, in Shoreham-by-Sea
(PR25-099)
Page last updated: 15 December 2025