The cliffside steps, which have deteriorated over several years, have now been sealed off with fencing and warning signs to prevent public access. The move was taken after engineers deemed the structure unsafe and at risk of collapse.
Three costly options under review
An engineer’s report by HOP Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers assessed the condition of the site and proposed three options:
Option A: Fully reinstate the steps and build hard-engineered sea defences to protect the cliff face.
Estimated cost: between £4–10 million.
Option B: Rebuild the steps without additional sea defences — a cheaper but temporary fix.
Estimated cost: £1 million+, with a life expectancy of just 5–10 years before the sea destroys the structure.
Option C: Do not reinstate the steps. Maintain fencing, monitor the site weekly, and allow nature to take its course.
Estimated annual cost: £2,000–£3,000 for safety checks and maintenance.
Ecological and coastal challenges
Officers note that Hope Gap’s ecological sensitivity — home to protected species such as potter bees and moon carrot — would make it extremely difficult to secure planning consent or Natural England approval for major reconstruction.
The site also sits below the high-water mark, meaning new steps would be regularly battered by tides, unlike at nearby Birling Gap, where higher shingle levels offer some protection.
Recommendation: do not rebuild
The council report concludes that due to “exceedingly high costs” and short-term viability, the only practical course is to adopt Option C — to not reinstate the steps and continue with regular safety inspections.
If councillors approve this recommendation, the council will issue a public statement explaining the decision, update signage, and continue working with stakeholders including the Coastguard, Environment Agency, Natural England, and the South Downs National Park Authority.
Financial implications
Rebuilding the steps would require millions of pounds that the Town Council does not have. Officers have not sought external funding, saying the process to develop a fully costed project would itself cost up to £30,000, with no guarantee of success.
Council officers say they “acknowledge the sentimentality of the site locally” but stress that safety and affordability must come first.
The decision on the future of Hope Gap steps will be made at Seaford Town Council’s Full Council meeting on Thursday, October 23.
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