The Property Services Division is responsible for the management of the coast defences between Sandown Castle, Deal and Kingsdown and also at St. Margaret's Bay in accordance with the Council's powers under the Coast Protection Act 1949 to undertake works to protect the coast from the effects of erosion. The Division manages those Coast Defences on the frontage undertaking major capital and revenue schemes on the defences in accordance with policies prepared in line with national guidance.
The shoreline is a dynamic system where stability is maintained despite the continued movement of waves, tides, wind and sediment. The present configuration of the shoreline is now controlled by the various coastal defences', which mankind has put in place over the last 100 - 200 years. These have stopped or slowed the transport of sediments and reduced the ability of the shoreline to respond to natural forcing factors.
In the United Kingdom, the Department of The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is responsible for the protection of the coastline from flooding and erosion. It is important to understand the terminology used. Coastal Defence is a generic term covering both the protection of the coast from erosion (coastal protection) and the protection from flooding by the sea (flood defence). Responsibility for the coastline is divided between various authorities in accordance with legislation. Coastal Protection authorities such as Dover District Council are empowered under the Coast Protection Act 1949 to carry out works in their area to protect the coast from erosion. The construction and maintenance of works to resist coastal flooding is carried out by the Environment Agency in accordance with the Water Resources Act 1991.
This document is available is two formats, please select:
Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal
Defence (Word format)
Policy Statement on Flood and Coastal
Defence (PDF format)
E-mail: propertyservices@dover.gov.uk
