What I was wondering, Hugo, was about the reasoning and research behind the scheme. At the time I questioned whether and to what degree there would be an increase in extreme weather events; the reasoning and research behind the decisions is what matters.
I suspect the position is simply that detailed research of the type that needs to be done by climatologists, hydrologists, geologists, fluid dynamicists and engineers is almost always way beyond the capabilities of the average CCBC councillor to comprehend, let alone challenge. But there's a problem: we (mostly justifiably) blame incompetence of CCBC councillors for the decisions they take, yet those decisions are taken based on the advice they're getting.
If they choose to ignore the advice, if anything untoward does happen then their necks are on the line. I'd also argue that sea defence issues are extremely complex, mathematical and engineering problems and the solutions are equally as complex and, as a result, are also way beyond the competencies of the average CCBC officials.
So in a sense it's probably unfair to blame the CCBC councillors entirely over this one. That's why I'm interested to see the original minutes, to see exactly who proposed the work and which company was involved. I'm also extremely interested to see the research done that led to the decision.
There's a lot of misinformation around and a lot of companies hoping to make a fast buck on the back of it. For example, a lot of people are unaware that North Wales and the NW of England are gradually rising while the SE and Norfolk are gradually sinking.
The N shore issues are another example. We could have a wonderful, sandy beach restored there but it would cost millions and require the Army's Royal Corps of Engineers to do it. CCBC can't afford it. But the question that ought to be asked is why isn't central government funding it? Coastal storm defence is a national issue, and shouldn't be dumped on local authorities to manage.
The other interesting point is about the stones dumped on the N Shore. There's a great deal of kinetic energy in a major storm and the associated waves, so if we do get a repeat of the 1987 storm or storm Undine in 1991 it's possible that the water ingress will have such energy that it might well propel large stones across the road and into hotels.