C O A S T A L
P R O P E R T Y
G U I D E
More information
Of course, the decision to buy a home is ultimately
yours. You will need to balance the risks and
uncertainties which may affect a property against your
aspirations, requirements and financial considerations.
If you would like more information concerning a
specific stretch of coastline please write to:
Coastal Management
North Norfolk District Council
Holt Road
Cromer
Norfolk
NR27 9EN
Coastal Services
Coastal property
buyers and sellers
guide
Coastal Services
Coastal property
buyers and sellers
guide
Alternatively, you can send an email to:
coastal.management@northnorfolk.gov.uk
Please include as much detail as possible, including
sales particulars or a map of the property and
surrounding coastline where appropriate.
North Norfolk District Council
Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9EN
Telephone 01263 513811
www.northnorfolk.org
www.northnorfolk.org/environment
If you would like this document in large print,
audio, Braille alternative format or in a different
language please telephone 01263 516150 and
we will do our best to help.
www.northnorfolk.org/environment
C O A S T A L
P R O P E R T Y
G U I D E
Thinking about buying or selling a house?
There are many things to consider when buying or
selling a home. North Norfolk District Council (NNDC)
has prepared this guide to help potential buyers and
sellers understand the potential impact of coastal
change, and to provide details of where further
information can be found.
Coastal change
Coastal change is a term that is used to describe the
effects of weather, climate, wave and tide actions on
the coastline. The impacts of coastal change should
be considered by those buying or selling a house near
the coast, although the vast majority of the district is
no more affected by erosion issues that any other
inland area. However, for some communities, coastal
change is a concern and if unmanaged could have a
detrimental effect on housing, livelihoods and on the
coastal environment.
Areas at risk of coastal flooding
Coastal Flood Defences are managed by the
Environment Agency. More information concerning
property flood risk can be viewed at
www.northnorfok.org/coastal. Details of
emergency flood procedures are available here and
are essential reading for property owners in flood risk
areas.
Areas at risk of coastal erosion
North Norfolk District Council is responsible for coastal
defences between Weybourne and Cart Gap,
Happisburgh. Where it is feasible to do so, the council
will endeavour to maintain sea defences. Additionally,
NNDC is seeking to explore more opportunities to
assist communities where coastal change is occurring,
or where it is predicted to do so in the future.
The likely extent of coastal change is indicated within
the Shoreline Management Plans (non-statutory plans
for coastal defence management). The plans provide
the policy background for how the coastline will be
managed and the short, medium and long-term
impacts of that policy. There are two Shoreline
Management Plans that cover the north Norfolk
coastline; both are available to view online at
www.northnorfolk.org/coastal
Buying a home near the coast
As a prospective buyer, you should expect your
solicitor to understand the potential risks associated
with properties near the coast. If you are looking to
borrow money to fund your home, and/or taking out
an insurance policy you can expect your chosen
lender or insurer to look closely at the risks before
providing any financial support or commitment. They
are extremely likely to ask questions of the seller and
the seller’s solicitor as part of the pre-contract
process. Useful background information for all parties
can be found at www.northnorfolk.org/coastal
NNDC also provides information in response to land
searches and other requests.
Development opportunities for property at risk
from coastal erosion
Planning policies are in place which provide
opportunities to owners of property at risk of coastal
erosion, allowing them to seek planning consent for a
replacement property on sites which otherwise may
not be granted. More details can be found at
www.northnorfolk.org/planning and in the
‘Planning opportunities for owners of property at risk
from coastal erosion’ leaflet.