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The government response to Global Warming clearly identifies the threats to East Head at Chichester, the possible breakthrough of Hurst Spit, and flooding risk on the West Solent and elsewhere in the area as major issues. Dealing with these, however, will be a local matter. Perhaps adaptation will always have a local flavour.
In addition, there are signs of a breakthrough of the spit protecting Newtown, loss of depth in the approaches to Beaulieu, and erosion of the West Solent saltmarshes. Chichester Bar also seems to be silting up. In short, natural process, if allowed to go ahead unchecked, could seriously reduce the existing capacity for leisure.
So far, work has been undertaken to reinforce Hurst Spit, and a burm is being built to protect East Head at Chichester. It is also understood that recharge of the intertidal area in front of the saltmarshes in the West Solent has been approved by English Nature. But, if capacity is not to be lost, a presumption in favour of maintaining existing navigational assets may have to take precedence over leaving natural forces to do their worst.
We simply cannot afford to lose existing capacity when there are massive pressures for a capacity increase.
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