Why do we need Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs)?

Originally, coastal defences were constructed on an ad hoc basis over discrete lengths of coastline. In recent years, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), formerly the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the government body that sanctions public sector expenditure on coastal defence, have required economic, environmental and technical assessments to demonstrate the viability of any proposed scheme. However, it was not unusual for little consideration to be given to the possible effects of the new works on the adjoining frontages or those further along the coast. In addition, the division of coastal responsibility has not always encouraged co-operation over the defence of neighbouring frontages. In the absence of any strategic planning, there were concerns about the sustainability of coastal defences, their long-term effects on adjacent lengths of coastline, the lack of communication between those with coastal interests, and other similar issues. The SMP represents an attempt to deal with these issues.

An SMP is a non-statutory document that offers guidance at a strategic level, designed to assist coastal defence decision making over a 50 to 100 year time period for a particular length of coast. It aims to identify sustainable coastal defence strategic options, taking account of the influence and needs of both the natural environment and the human built environment.

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