‘Urgent’ plan to save iconic Seven Sisters cottages from falling into sea

Cuckmere Haven SOS trust, with Doyle Town Planning and Urban Design, has submitted plans to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

The charitable trust is proposing to repair, reconstruct and extend existing sea defences to the south of coastguard cottages and east of the cable hut.

Chairman of the trust Charles Anson said, “The coastguard cottages and cable hut at Cuckmere Haven are iconic landmarks on one of the most beautiful landscapes in the British Isles facing the Seven Sisters.

“If you are inspired by this landscape, then please support our campaign to strengthen the maritime defences at Cuckmere Haven for future generations.”

The trust has said, if the SDNPA agrees to the plans, the community-funded work could begin as early as this summer in September.

A trust spokesperson said the issue is urgent and if the defences are not soon repaired and strengthened then, one by one, the cottages will fall into the sea diminishing the heritage, the landscape and the views.

A petition set up by Cuckmere Haven SOS to save the historic landscape has reached 991 out of a target 1,000 signatures so far, as of Wednesday (July 8).

In a design and access statement submitted by the trust to the SDNPA, the report said that increasingly severe and repeated storm damage has resulted in erosion and the destruction of the West Beach coastal defences.

This, the report said, has led to public access being blocked and put the lower coastguard cottage ‘at risk’.

The statement said, “Over one-third of the land area below the cottages has been swept away. Attempts to stop the destruction were only swept away by the next storm. It has become increasingly apparent only major work would do the job.”

A trust spokesperson said, “The SDNPA must take account of everyone’s views before making their decision – so your opinion really matters.

“If you agree the historic cottages and the view should be saved, please sign our petition.”

The cottages and Cable Hut have featured in films and TV programmes including Luther, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, Second World War drama Atonement, and more recently Summerland and Blythe Spirit starring Judi Dench.

For more information and to view the planning application, visit the South Downs National Park Authority website under the application number: SDNP/20/02390/FUL

To view the trust’s petition, visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-historic-landscape-at-cuckmere-haven

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