At least 183 homes lost to coastal erosion since 2010, councils reveal

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Since 2010, at least 183 homes along England’s eastern coast have been deliberately demolished due to coastal erosion and landslide risks, with councils such as East Riding of Yorkshire and Great Yarmouth leading removals. This proactive approach highlights growing challenges from climate-driven shoreline retreat, as the Environment Agency warns thousands more properties could become vulnerable in coming decades and allocates funding to support adaptation and safe demolitions.

At least 183 homes along England’s eastern coastline have been lost to coastal erosion and landslides since 2010, according to local government data obtained by the Guardian. These homes, deemed too vulnerable to occupy safely, were proactively demolished to prevent collapse.

The affected properties span multiple coastal communities across Yorkshire and East Anglia. East Riding of Yorkshire council, which oversees areas including Skipsea, Aldbrough, and Mappleton, has demolished 66 homes in this period. Great Yarmouth borough council has removed 64 homes, all in the village of Hemsby, where severe erosion last winter wiped out about half the land predicted to erode over the next 30 years. Since December 2025 alone, 41 properties there were demolished.

North Norfolk council has voluntarily demolished 21 homes, while East Suffolk recorded a recent surge in demolitions, removing eight homes from 2020 to 2024 and another 16 in the year up to April 2026. Many of these in East Suffolk, particularly in Thorpeness, have been lost to accelerating coastal retreat. One affected resident, Hilary Lightfoot, shared that she lost a home in which she raised her family and suffered a financial loss estimated at £650,000.

The financial cost of demolishing these vulnerable properties has reached approximately £1.1 million, with the Environment Agency contributing around £482,000 toward clearing 61 at-risk homes. Other expenses have been covered by local councils or homeowners themselves.

Coastal erosion, defined as the natural wearing and retreat of the shoreline, destabilizes cliffs and threatens properties. Scientists note that climate change is intensifying this process. The Environment Agency estimates around 3,500 properties could be at risk of coastal erosion by 2055, with that figure rising to more than 10,000 by 2105.

Unlike flood damage, which is often covered by insurance schemes like Flood Re, there is currently no UK insurance product protecting against coastal erosion losses. The government committee overseeing the inquiry described insurers treating coastal erosion losses as “virtual certainty” for exposed properties rather than unforeseeable events.

Councils are working with residents to manage the problem and mitigate impacts. East Suffolk council has spent about £1.5 million on erosion mitigation measures aimed at slowing shoreline retreat and providing residents more time to prepare. North Norfolk council emphasized that most of the homes it demolished were proactively taken down before emergency conditions arose. East Riding council is conducting ongoing assessments to understand the full economic and social consequences for affected communities.

The Environment Agency stated it is “very aware” of the challenges coastal erosion poses to homeowners and communities. It is supporting local authorities with £36 million dedicated to coastal erosion adaptation projects, streamlining planning regulations in vulnerable areas, and providing grants up to £10,000 to assist with the safe demolition of endangered properties—offering further funds for complex cases.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.