Extreme rainfall contributed to a catastrophic landslide which forced two families to leave their homes. The weather, combined with other factors such as the steep sloping land and, potentially, leaking pipework, led to the disaster in which the gardens of two properties disappeared. The findings are in a specialist report into the incident at Old Roar Gill nature reserve in Hastings in February.
The report, just published by Hastings Borough Council, was produced on behalf of its insurance company. It states that further landslides could happen again. Specialist consultants Diales looked at the topography, geology and hydrogeology of the affected area.
It said further investigation to understand the ground conditions was needed before stabilisation works can go ahead. Diales said stabilisation works need an “accurate ground model for the area” to be effective. It recommended a groundwater monitoring regime for a minimum of six months to a year.
This has not started and the consultants warned there could be further land movement if stabilisation works do not take place. The council said it was waiting for consultants to come back with a quote for further survey works, which will determine its next steps. Diales' report was discussed by cabinet members on Monday as part of an update on work to establish the council’s new land stability team, which was granted funding in June.
Stephen Dodson, the council’s head of strategic programmes, said: “The recommendations from .