How does an SMP fit in with legislation and planning?

As a non-statutory document, the SMP does not have the legal status of Local or Structure Plans, and may be among a number of non-statutory plans relating to a particular length of coastline.With respect to Local and Structure plans, the SMP should strive to ensure that, as far as possible, its recommendations are generally in accordance with relevant planning policies.

With respect to non-statutory plans, the SMP should aim to encompass and develop the ideas set out in such plans, while reflecting awareness of the policies and any potential areas of conflict in them. It is unlikely that all these plans will be in preparation at the same time, so it is important that the regular review process is used to inform and amend, as appropriate.

What does an SMP cover?

The SMP provides broad guidance on the strategic coastal defence options that are appropriate for the frontage under consideration and compatible with adjacent frontages and the processes operating. The SMP takes a holistic view; so detailed data and analyses are not required at this level. DEFRA intends that, in many cases, the SMP process will be followed successively by the development of strategy plans and the detailed individual schemes. 

How will the strategic options be implemented?

Once the SMP is finalised, agreed and adopted by those with coastal defence responsibilities, future coastal defence works proposed within the study area should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations made in the SMP. Where a defence scheme is required and is to be submitted with an application for grant aid, the detailed evaluations of that scheme should comply with the 1993 MAFF Flood and Coastal Defence Project Appraisal Guidance Notes. Where a coastal defence option involves a scheme that is not eligible for grant aid, nevertheless it would need to comply with the strategic needs and objectives of the SMP. 

Who will be responsible for strategy implementation?

A range of organisations will be responsible for implementation of the coastal defence strategy. These will include the Environment Agency, local/maritime district councils and private landowners. However, all bodies with an interest in the coastline will be involved in the implementation of the agreed and adopted strategies set out in the SMP.

Are there SMPs for West Dorset?

The coastline of West Dorset is encompassed within two SMPs:

• Lyme Bay and South Devon
• Portland Bill to Durlston Head

Both of these SMPs were completed, and accepted by these operating authorities responsible for the lengths of coastline covered by the plans in 1998.

Are there SMP reviews?

The SMP is designed to be a living document and as new information comes to light, the SMP will be updated and a review of strategic options undertaken.  To assist in this process, revised guidance is being prepared by DEFRA for the second generation of SMPs (SMP 2s) and three example SMPs are developed using this guidance.

• Name: Engineering (West Dorset)
  Email: engineers@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252356
  Fax: 01305 252349
  Full details for Engineering (West Dorset)