Shoreline Management Planning

(After Graham Lymbery – Sefton Coast Partnership)

Shoreline Management Planning (SMP) takes a ‘partnership approach’ to planning for future changes in sea level rise and coastal defences.  These plans are being produced around the whole coastline of England and Wales to enable coastal engineers to identify long term, sustainable policies for coastal defence. 'Coastal defence' means protecting the coastline from erosion by the sea and defending low lying ground from flooding by the sea.

How do they help?
Our coast is shaped by a dynamic and moving shoreline, influenced by weather, wind and tide. The SMP process builds on different levels of knowledge of the coastal environment and takes account of the wide range of public interest to avoid conflict over any planned changes in protection.

How will the SMPs be used?

Shoreline Management Plans aim to:

• improve our understanding of coastal processes;
• integrate all interested organisations and the public through stakeholder dialogue;
• take a long-term view of coastal planning and associated land use.

SMPs help coastal engineers plan ahead. They refer to current local and structure plans produced by District and Borough Councils and the County Councils, and provide an essential feedback framework when the plans need reviewing.

Will Shoreline Management Plans protect me and my property?
Everyone whose land or property is flooded or threatened by the sea wants to be protected. However, coastal defences are costly to build and maintain and they sometimes have damaging effects on the natural environment by simply shifting problems further down the coast. Shoreline Management Plans identify the places that are affected or threatened by flooding or erosion. They state the likely cost of protection work for such areas and test this against the economic value of the land or property.

Will the Shoreline Management Plans help to prevent damage to wildlife?
Many past decisions affecting the coastlines were made without consideration of their effects on the wider environment. Future coastal defence works will comply with the findings and recommendations of the Shoreline Management Plans and will only go ahead after careful consideration of their effects on the natural environment.

How many Shoreline Management Plans are being produced for this coastline?
Two Shoreline Management Plans will be developed for the coasts of Devon (See map); one for the north coast (http://www.ndascag.org/) and one for the south coast (http://www.sdadcag.org/).  Please follow the links to access further information about these.

What about global warming and sea level rise?
The Shoreline Management Plans take account of the best present knowledge on the possible effects of global warming, climate change and sea level rise. Climate study and monitoring are being given high national priority.

How do Shoreline Management Plans fit in with coastal flooding and erosion responsibilities?
The Environment Agency and maritime local authorities work together on the flood protection of low lying ground and defending the coastline from erosion by the sea. Both have powers to carry out sea defence works to protect low lying land against flooding by the sea. Maritime local authorities, such as Devon County Council and coastal District Councils, also have additional powers to carry out coast protection works to prevent erosion of the land by the sea.

How can I see or comment on the Shoreline Management Plans or get further information?
Consultation is an open process that continues throughout the plan production and beyond, into the review stage.  Please contact the relevant officers using the websites or contact details on this page.