Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 3C

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why do we need an SMP?

In the past sea defences have been erected to protect property on sections of coastline without fully considering the impact on the environment or adjacent sites. New sea defences can lead to the failure of other sea defences and sometimes can have an adverse impact on the natural environment. The impact may be local, but in some instances can influence areas of the coast many miles away.

In order to assess the impact of new sea defences on the coastline, there needs to be an understanding of the coastal process, i.e. erosion and the distribution and movement of sand and other sediment material. Remember beaches and cliffs are natural defences, not just areas of enjoyment.

The SMP pulls together research work undertaken on a national and regional basis to enable the operating authorities to gain a better understanding of our coastline. It would be difficult for each individual local maritime council to establish a full picture of the coastal processes. Consequently the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), who have responsibility for national coastal policy, have encouraged and assisted maritime Councils to act in partnership to prepare SMP’s to overcome the previous ‘piece-meal’ approach to coastal management.

Each SMP covers a discrete area (a “coastal cell”) based on natural physical boundaries determined by the coastal environment.

What is an SMP?

An SMP is a ‘living’ document used by the operating authorities and other organisations (e.g. Environment Agency, Natural England, local authority planners and others) to consider the planning and implementation of sea defences and other maritime works. It is also used by Defra when considering applications from the operating authorities to fund various coastal defence works.

In the SMP2, in developing the plan, consideration is given as far as possible to the overall behaviour of the coast, examining how different approaches to management in one area will influence the behaviour of the coast and influence management in other areas. Ultimately, from this process of examining different scenarios, policies will be developed for individual sections of the coast. These policies will nominally be drawn from one of the 4 policy options (see below). These will be developed from taking into account and balancing the needs of the local communities and the environment, but taking into account also the natural pressures on the coast and the way in which the coast is likely to evolve.

What are the Policy Options?

What are the aims of the SMP?

The overall aim of the SMP is to set out a plan for a 100 year period indicating how our coastline should be managed, taking into account the wider implications on the neighbouring coastline and the environment.

What are the operating authorities doing?

The SMP sets out broad recommendations for each section of our coastline. Once it has been decided which is the best solution, the operating authorities will apply to Defra for grant aid for the works before letting a contract for the refurbishment and renewal of the sea defences.

The same will apply to all local authority owned coastal defences elsewhere as and when the situation demands action to be taken and as recommended in the SMP. Consequently it is envisaged that at any one time some-where along our coast the operating authorities will be monitoring, planning or designing new coastal defences to meet the demands of an evolving coastline.

What happens next?

The operating authorities coastal engineers formally meet with Defra, the Environment Agency and Natural England every 6 months to discuss coastal issues including the SMP. Any comments or observations received from individuals or interest groups are discussed at these meetings. All comments and feedback information is welcomed and will be used to help formulate and steer how we manage the coast.

This first review (SMP2) of the SMP’s will not only re-examine the current policies and set out a revised plan but will also prepare a guide to the management of the coast for the next 100 years. However, it is only by looking at the broader issues on the coast, including tourism, agriculture, industry, fishing, transportation and housing that a truly integrated approach can be developed.

Where can I get more information?

As the Shoreline Management Plan is reviewed, so documents will be produced and will be updated on the website. There will also be opportunity for people to identify issues and discuss the objectives from which policy will be developed as the process develops. Ultimately, copies of the draft SMP will be available electronically from this website and full public consultation will be undertaken. It is important, however, that people are able to contribute to the process before this more formal stage.

What can I do to help?

During the preparation of the new SMP the operating authorities and their partners will consult with many organisations and individuals. However, we do not wish the dialogue to stop there. The operating authorities are committed to continuous consultations with the local communities they serve.

As indicated above, the SMP is primarily focused on the sea defences, both natural and manmade. If you would like to comment on this information, the SMP review or any other coastal matters, then please contact Terry Oakes at the following address:

What does Defra stand for?

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.