February was reportedly the wettest February for 258 years. Parts of the South East, including Hastings and Rye, were at risk of flooding, with a number of yellow weather warnings throughout the month. Those warnings did not cover the risk of landslides, four of them across Hastings and Rye.
Landslides are caused by disturbances in the natural stability of a slope. They can occur as the result of intense, heavy rains - water plays an integral part in the cause of many landslides and is the most common cause of a landslide trigger mechanism. Different soil types and steep slopes can also contribute towards the perfect storm, especially where the soil is weakened. In fact, some slopes that have been stable for many years can suddenly fail because of a single trigger mechanism.
Whilst the UK is not renowned for catastrophic landslides, the recent landslides across Hastings and Rye were catastrophic for the residents affected and should raise questions about the impact of heavy rainfall due to a changing climate and the need for local mitigation and adaptation measures. The narrative around climate change has largely been focused on cutting carbon emissions and to some extent, sequestering carbon. However, the reality of climate change is that we will all need to adapt to its impacts.
Taking steps now to adapt to future climate change will make us more resilient and less vulnerable to its impacts. The Government recognises the importance of addressing land stability and mitigating the risks associated with landslides, subsidence and ‘ground heave’. The planning system plays a crucial role in considering land stability by aiming to minimise the risk and effects of land instability on property, infrastructure and the public. An effective and up to date local plan would ensure that any built development does not occur in unstable locations or without appropriate precautions. Hastings Borough and Rother District Councils, as local planning authorities, should be looking to identify the specific areas where landslides (and other ground heave such as subsidence) require consideration through risk assessments, and they should consider prioritising preventative measures, or policies that address unstable land, such as remediation measures (if appropriate) or development restrictions.
I visited the affected residents at Old Roar Gill last week and popped along to Military Road in Rye. The landslide at Old Roar Gill and the devastation it has caused to residents’ homes and lives is overwhelming. The landslide along the Military Road is extensive, and whilst it has not forced homeowners to leave their homes by prohibition, unlike at Old Roar Gill, the situation remains concerning. I have contacted both Hastings Borough and Rother District Councils to raise my concerns on behalf of affected residents. Whilst landslide losses across the country are not negligible and fatalities are rare, financial losses resulting from landslides are ‘poorly understood’. Having spoken to residents, I believe that a more strategic management framework of landslides may be required, including monitoring to detect early signs of instability. In addition, the guidance on response management may need to be reviewed and updated.
I have secured a meeting with Defra minister Robbie Moore, MP, and I will be advocating for extra funding as well as review of national policies which address climate change adaptation and impacts, disaster risk reduction, and which promote sustainable land management.
Having spoken to affected residents, I know that they are also concerned about insurance premiums going up as well as not being able to get insurance at all. I will be asking the minister if he will consider a similar insurance initiative for landslides as there is for flooding. You may have heard of the Flood Re, which is a joint initiative between the insurance industry and the UK government. It is government backed affordable and accessible reinsurance for households in the UK that are at high risk of flooding. This means that homeowners in flood-prone areas can obtain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost. We may need a similar scheme for homeowners in landslide risk areas.
As always, addressing landslides and climate change requires a team effort from all levels of government, experts, and the community. By working together, we can build resilience and protect our coastal areas.