A report into the future of sea defences protecting thousands of holiday homes has been postponed because of the election.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has announced the general election will be held on July 4.

Findings of a study into the shingle bank between Hunstanton and Snettisham were expected to be made public at a meeting on Tuesday.

But stakeholders who had been invited to attend have now been told it has been postponed until a later date, along with the release of the report.

Eastern Daily Press: Some of the thousands of holiday properties protected by the shingle ridgeSome of the thousands of holiday properties protected by the shingle ridge (Image: Chris Bishop)

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "While this report has unfortunately been delayed, we are hoping to be able share the report, written by our consultants Jacobs, as soon as possible once the election period has ended.

"The Environment Agency is not about to announce managed retreat for the Wash East Coast. 

"In order to amend the current Shoreline Management Policy on the Wash East Coast, the Environment Agency would need to follow a set policy process and review the Wash East Coast Management Strategy (WECMS).

"None of these steps have been taken. The Environment Agency’s upcoming report is focused on reviewing the current flood risk management regime to determine whether the WECMS should be reviewed."

Eastern Daily Press: The bank is being pushed inland by the force of the tidesThe bank is being pushed inland by the force of the tides (Image: Chris Bishop)

Engineers were called in last year to carry out tests on the bank, which is being pushed inland by the force of the tides.

If they conclude that a so-called 'trigger point' has been reached, it could prompt a major rethink of the area's sea defences and eventually see many of its caravans and chalets moved inland.

The Environment Agency's current shoreline management plan warns that rising sea levels will eventually mean the option of "holding the line" by maintaining defences may no longer be viable and will need to be replaced with so-called managed realignment.

In November, the agency said it would no longer be performing so-called beach recharges, where extra material is imported to help shore up the banks.