Strategic
planningA key component in managing the coast has been the development of Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) which set out a strategy for the coastal management of a section of the coastline. Each SMP covers an area of coastline known as a sub-cell within a littoral sediment cell, of which there are eleven on the England and Wales coastline.
A sediment cell is defined as a length of coastline, which is relatively self-contained as far as the movement of sand or shingle is concerned, and where interruption to such movement should not have a significant effect on adjacent sediment cells. Each major littoral cell is divided into a number of sub-cells, based on the best available knowledge of large-scale processes.
In order to encourage improved co-operation between authorities a series of Coastal Groups have been established based on the littoral cell boundaries. Dover District Council is a member of the South-East Coastal Group which extends from Beachy Head to the Isle of Grain. The preparation of SMP's has been an example of the benefits which can be achieved by closer working between authorities. The first generation of SMP's were produced in the mid 1990's; One SMP covers South Kent and extends from Beachy Head to Dover Harbour (1995) and the North Kent Plan (1996) extends from Dover Harbour to Isle of Grain on the River Thames.
Work is now well advanced on the review of these plans. The South Foreland to Beachy Head Plan was published as a consultation draft in January 2005 and adopted by the Council early in 2007. Work on the review of the North Kent Plan is now close to completion. Consultation was undertaken in summer 2007 and the final version of the SMP is due to be adopted by the Council early in 2008.
Details of both SMP’s can be seen at www.se-coastalgroup.org.uk
The production of each SMP involved the appointment of expert firms of consultants to undertake a detailed study of all the issues affecting the coast such as land use, environmental protection, economics and the action of the coastal processes. The final report establishes the management policy for the coast defences by dividing it into separate Management Units and making specific recommendations for each unit based on four alternative options; Do Nothing, Hold the Line, Advance the Line or Retreat the Line.
E-mail: propertyservices@dover.gov.uk
