By David LennardA DEFIANT resident has resumed his controversial operation to protect his home and those of his neighbours from the ravages of the sea.

By David Lennard

A DEFIANT resident has resumed his controversial operation to protect his home and those of his neighbours from the ravages of the sea.

Peter Boggis was adamant that shoring up the cliffs at Easton Bavents, near Southwold, with more than 50,000 tonnes of clay material was vital if the alarming rate of coastal erosion was to be slowed down.

The great-grandfather voluntarily stopped work earlier this year so that lorries bringing in the material needed to shore up the cliff did not add to Southwold's traffic problems during the busy summer period.

However, the lorries began making deliveries again yesterday and Mr Boggis said he was determined to protect the one-kilometre stretch of cliffs just north of Southwold.

“It has to be understood that this is a real emergency. If these cliffs are not protected, it is not only the homes at Easton Bavents being placed at risk,” he added.

“The sea defences at Southwold are also under a great threat from the sea, which puts large parts of the town and surrounding area at risk of being flooded.”

Waveney District Council has asked Mr Boggis to carry out a full environmental impact assessment and get planning permission before continuing with his project - believed to be costing in the region of £500,000.

But the retired engineer has insisted the £20,000 needed for an assessment would be better used for coastal defence schemes.

It is not clear if Waveney District Council will take enforcement action to stop the project, but Mr Boggis said he believed that under European law and the Coast Protection Act 1948 he did not need to apply for planning permission or carry out an environmental impact assessment.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk