Managing an eroding coast
Fictional decision exercise. A fictional village has a £6 million capital budget. The figures are estimates for 20 years; benefits are not guaranteed. The options are alternatives; do not add their benefits together.
| Option | Capital cost (£ million) | Homes benefiting (Estimated count) |
|---|---|---|
| Rock armour | 5.5 | 120 |
| Managed retreat | 3.8 | 85 |
| Beach nourishment | 2.1 | 65 |
Options
Rock armour
5.5
Reduces wave energy near village homes
Can restrict beach access and alter sediment movement
Managed retreat
3.8
Creates intertidal habitat and relocates exposed properties
Some households must move
cultural attachment is difficult to replace
Beach nourishment
2.1
Maintains a usable beach initially
Recurring renewal costs are additional
Stakeholder evidence
Resident: I value staying in the village.
Ecologist: Intertidal habitat is being squeezed.
Visitor business: A usable beach supports trade.
Use the resource
Read possible decision reasoning
A strong response can favour any listed option when its priorities and evidence are consistent. Compare costs with the available budget, use the homes benefiting measure accurately, and discuss at least one limitation. Explain why an alternative is less suitable for the stated priority. Estimates do not guarantee outcomes; identify further information needed before a real decision.