Work is set to begin in the spring to avoid the “catastrophic failure” of key sea defences and protect homes from flooding and cliff collapses.

The two projects will cost £1.2 million in total and are planned to take place at Viking Bay and the harbour in Broadstairs and a section of the coastal path between the town and Dumpton Gap, near Ramsgate.

Cabinet members approved the release of funds which have been provided in full by grants from the Environment Agency with the scheme set to start from April to June.

Presenting the item at last night’s Thanet District Council (TDC) cabinet meeting, Cllr Steve Albon (Lab) said the works had become necessary to reduce flood risk to residents and properties in Broadstairs and to avoid the promenade being closed for safety concerns to the public.

A report to councillors stated the jetty in Broadstairs has become so worn that it could lead to “catastrophic failure”.

Addressing the work to start in Broadstairs, Cllr Albon said: “The pier and jetty at Broadstairs was constructed 250 years ago and plays a vital role in stabilising the beach.

“It is the beach in combination with the more recent concrete defences that protect low-lying properties situated directly behind the beach at Viking Bay.

“With the effects of climate change causing sea levels to rise and the increased intensity and regularity of storm events, the risk of doing nothing is these properties in Harbour Street would experience flooding more regularly.”

He added taking no action would also lead to more cliff erosion and threatening further properties.

Repairing or replacing blocks within the jetty walls and sea walls and work to slipways along the pier in Broadstairs, which is said to be in “poor condition”, will be part of the works.

Flood gates would also be fitted near the Tartar Frigate pub to be used during storms.

The works would increase the protection against flooding to a one-in-200 year standard – meaning the area should only severely flood once in two centuries – compared to the one-in-10 year current level.

The 60-year-old sea wall along the Dumpton Gap to Broadstairs stretch has become eroded by waves, tides and weather such as freezing and thawing weakening the concrete blocks.

A report to councillors highlighted that be doing nothing to the wall cliff-top property would be threatened by further cliff erosion.

The repairs and installation at Broadstairs harbour are set to cost £880,000 while improvements at Dumpton Gap will be £406,000.

The report on the Dumpton Gap project states: “The key objective is to reduce the risk of coastal erosion and the loss of public and residential assets located on the chalk cliffs immediately inland of the coastal defences.”

If it does fail, it would “present a significant health and safety risk and would require a permanent exclusion zone around the area”.

The works will involve the replacement of some of the existing coping blocks.

Slabs and concrete stepped sea wall units are to be refurbished and if necessary replaced.

A community was left in shock in 2020 on the Isle of Sheppey when the cliff collapsed leading to the loss of a home and damaging others.

The land gave way under Emma Tullett’s house leaving the property teetering on the edge of the clifftop.