Drone and aerial footage highlights Pakefield erosion

Erosion at Pakefield cliffs in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

After a section of the road collapsed in front of the clifftop caravans near Pakefield Holiday Park in Lowestoft and fell on to the beach below on Friday night, several people were evacuated, a suspected unexploded bomb was found and a "dangerous" slope was cordoned off.

Drone images showing how close the caravans are to the cliff edge following erosion damage in Pakefield, Lowestoft. Picture: LN Drone Photography (Image: LN Drone Photography)

The erosion damage left the cliffs "very unstable" as fencing fell down and numerous caravans were left dangerously close to the edge.

With an estimated 13ft - around 4m - of cliff having been lost in the recent bad weather, the steps down to the beach at Arbor Lane remain cordoned off.

Erosion at Pakefield cliffs in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Park Holidays UK Ltd, which owns the Pakefield Holiday Park business, said they were working with East Suffolk Council to "monitor the rate of coastal erosion on the park".

Drone images showing how close the caravans are to the cliff edge following erosion damage in Pakefield, Lowestoft. Picture: LN Drone Photography (Image: LN Drone Photography)

As East Suffolk Council continues to "assess the situation" and "determine the next steps for the community" following further erosion, inspections continue at the scene.

Drone images showing the erosion damage in Pakefield, Lowestoft. Picture: LN Drone Photography (Image: LN Drone Photography)

Coastal Partnership East has been working with the Pakefield community since 2016, on behalf of East Suffolk Council, to explore the coastal management options.

Drone images showing the erosion damage in Pakefield, Lowestoft. Picture: LN Drone Photography (Image: LN Drone Photography)

The council's building control team and Coastal Partnership East oversaw the demolition of three chalets at Arbor Lane on November 18 due to their risk of being lost to the sea.

Arbor Lane, Pakefield in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The cleared and demolished chalet sites in Arbor Lane, Pakefield. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A council spokesman said: "The council has supported the property owners with the demolitions including utility terminations and grant applications to avoid personal costs and keep people safe.

Drone images showing the erosion damage in Pakefield, Lowestoft. Picture: LN Drone Photography (Image: LN Drone Photography)

"Following further cliff fall at the weekend, the council’s building control team have advised the caravan park owners that more caravans and their bases will need to be removed from the receding cliff top."

East Suffolk Council leader Caroline Topping. (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Caroline Topping, East Suffolk Council leader, said: "This is an upsetting situation for all concerned and I would like to express my sympathies to anyone whose property has been affected.

Erosion at Pakefield cliffs in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"I would like to thank our officers for responding so quickly and they are continuing to work with the local community; both to deal with the immediate impacts of this most recent incident but also on longer term options."

Erosion damage at Pakefield cliffs in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A spokesman for Park Holidays UK Ltd said: "The 12 holiday homes affected at the weekend were already identified as likely to be in need of relocation on the park, and will now be sited elsewhere in the grounds."

Erosion damage at Pakefield in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

'Rapid erosion'

In September, a bid to extend Pakefield Holiday Park with 86 additional caravans was approved by East Suffolk councillors.

Pakefield Holiday Park in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Park Holidays UK Ltd will now build a new access and main site entrance off the A12, new entrance buildings and a clubhouse facility, as well as 86 additional static holiday caravans.

Erosion damage at Pakefield in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The meeting of East Suffolk Council's planning committee north heard "rapid coastal erosion to the cliffs," had already resulted in the "loss of 23 caravans in recent years and the situation was not improving."

Erosion damage at Pakefield in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

It added: "The erosion, which has been a significant concern for the area, has prompted the need for such an extension" which would "facilitate the rollback from the coast in this area."

Coastal erosion in Pakefield, Lowestoft between 1999 and 2023 was highlighted to East Suffolk councillors at a planning committee north meeting in September. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Aerial photographs were showcased at the meeting highlighting "coastal erosion on the site since 1999."

According to Park Holidays UK Ltd: "It was anticipated that the rate of loss would continue and that another 25-30 caravans would be lost over the coming three years."

A 'very lucky escape'

Drone photographer Luke, from LN Drone Photography in Great Yarmouth, captured these photos and video of the damage caused by erosion over the weekend.

"These caravan owners here in Pakefield near Lowestoft have had a very lucky escape.

"It is very bad what has happened."

Aerial photographer Mike Page captured before and after photos highlighting the dramatic changes to the Pakefield coastline.

Pakefield in January 2007, as captured by aerial photographer Mike Page. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

Comparing the scene at Pakefield in January 2007, and last week on November 22, the photos captured 16 years apart show the rapid coastal erosion.

Pakefield in November 2023, as captured by aerial photographer Mike Page. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)