The key elements of this option are:
The western part of the frontage under this option would be treated similarly to Option 1. This is because the foreshore over that length is fairly steeply sloping and is therefore not considered appropriate to the use of strongpoints with embayments.
For the remainder of the frontage the low groynes and rock heads of Option 1 would be replaced by large strongpoints. The purpose of these strongpoints is to contain beach material on the frontage into a series of embayments. The size of the strongpoints will be such that the beach within the embayments can reorientate itself to a stable shape under wave action. The beach within the strongpoint bays will therefore be ungroyned. The build up of material against the strongpoints will create a far greater beach area than exists at the present time and it is expected that because the beach material is contained by the strongpoints, finer material can be utilised for the beach recharge than the existing beach. This will further improve the amenity of the beach for recreational use. In the siting of the strongpoints due consideration will be given to existing sea outfalls which would be extended as necessary.
The strongpoints top surface will be above normal high water levels and in previous schemes of this type the area in their lea has been found to be used as a small craft anchorage. The strongpoints would be constructed of large rocks which would be imported directly to the foreshore using barges.
The finer beach recharge material required for this works option may be more readily obtained than the coarser material for the straight beach alignment. The material would still be imported by pipeline from a ship. Because of the containment of material between the strongpoints the need for ongoing periodic recharge would be reduced with this option.