Local MP Norman Baker today demanded a public inquiry over the Environment Agency's plans to abandon the Cuckmere Estuary to the sea.
The Agency has recently published its plans for the future of the Cuckmere Estuary yesterday, which involve a halt to the maintenance of the river defences in two years time, drastically changing the appearance of the river.
A three month consultation period has now begun in which the public can make their views on the proposals known to the Agency.
Speaking on the issue, Norman said "I am disappointed that the Environment Agency has chosen the option of withdrawing the maintenance of the river defences after two years.
"It is quite wrong for an unelected quango to destroy a nationally recognized landmark without independent endorsement that this is the correct way forward. The Environment Agency cannot be judge and jury over our landscape.
"They have spent £440,000 without any public approval, and the Agency has still failed to convince the public, especially those living nearby, of the desirability of this course of action.
"I believe that the Agency has failed to take into account the aesthetic value of the area at present, which attracts approximately 350,000 people a year and is vital for the local economy.
"I discussed this issue with Harvey Bradshaw, the Sussex Area Manager at the Environment Agency last week at a meeting, and will meet him again on Thursday to take part in a visit of the Cuckmere site, and I will impress upon him the need to take the views and needs of the local community into account.
"I believe that the scale and gravity of this proposal is such that it should be subjected to independent verification, especially given the large amount of public money that has already been spent on this scheme."
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