10 May 2024 , 14:00
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An 18th century farmhouse left hanging perilously over a cliff edge due to coastal erosion is being demolished.
Dramatic photos show the old farmhouse at Cliff Farm in Trimingham, Norfolk, being knocked down after it was left dangling over the cliff in a precarious position. The three-bedroom home was bought at auction five years ago for £132,000 but coastal erosion left the back part of the home exposed after recent landslips in April.
The homeowner decided to evacuate and today North Norfolk District Council demolished the property to stop it plunging onto the beach below. Harry Blathwayt, North Norfolk District Council's portfolio holder for coast, said previously: "It's very sad that the old farmhouse has been undermined by landfall over the last few weeks. The owner of the property has spoken to council officers and he fully accepts that the building is in a precarious position to say the least.
Diggers have moved in (North Norfolk District Council)"As such, the council's Coastwise team will be helping demolish it - getting contractors in and taking it down before it can fall on the beach." Erosion at Trimingham has been happening at an alarming rate due to heavy rainfall over the winter which has saturated the soft cliffs, leading to frequent landslides.
In January 2020, the cliff fell at the coastal village overnight, sending tonnes of sand and silt plummeting onto the beach from the Trimingham House Caravan Park above. The nearby seaside resort of Hemsby has also lost several homes due to coastal erosion with ex-soldier Lance Martin hitting the headlines for dragging his bungalow away from the cliff edge twice.
Life on one of the UK's cheapest streets where homes sell for just £25,000
The demolition of Cliff Farm in Trimingham (James Linsell Clark/SWNS)Mr Martin, 66, initially admitted defeat last November but has now announced plans to airlift his home by helicopter away from the seafront in a military-grade operation.