Decision details

To consider a report of the Head of Planning and Sustainability seeking approval for the adoption of the non statutory North Solent Shoreline Management Plan outlining the policies aimed at sustainably managing the coastline over the next 100 years. The Plan balances the management of coastal flooding and erosion risks, with natural processes, and the consequences of climate change and determines technically, economically and environmentally sustainable policies for management of the shoreline over 3 time periods; present day (0-20 years); medium-term (20-50 years); and long-term (50-100 years).

The series of Shoreline Management Plans being developed throughout England and Wales contribute to determining national funding requirements for the management of coastal flood and erosion risks.  Adoption of the Shoreline Management Plan by contributing local authorities will enable future applications for national funding towards management of coastal flood and erosion risks to be made. 

Modified decision:

(i)  To adopt the North Solent Shoreline Management Plan.

(ii)  To endorse the action plan that will need to be taken forward over the duration of the plan period.

(iii)  To delegate powers to the Head of Planning and Sustainability to approve, subject to the Financial Procedure Rules, any changes to the action plan affecting Southampton arising out of consultation and decisions of the Shoreline Management Plan Client Steering Group.

(iv)  To delegate to the Head of Planning and Sustainability to prepare and approve any regional and local coastal strategies intended to address the risk of coastal flooding and erosion that are subordinate to and provide additional detailed guidance on the Shoreline Management Plan.

1.  To enable sustainable and strategic management of the coastline over the next 100 years through a hierarchical approach where the SMP forms the top tier strategic policies within this approach. The policies relating to the Southampton frontage will enable continued management of coastal flooding and erosion risks associated with its coastal location.

2.  The series of SMPs being developed throughout England and Wales contribute to determining national funding requirements for the management of coastal flood and erosion risks to existing settlements.  Adoption of the final plans by contributing local authorities is necessary to enable future applications for national funding towards management of coastal flood and erosion risks to be made.  Therefore adoption of the North Solent SMP is essential to enable Southampton City Council to qualify to bid for this national funding in the future. 

The alternative would be to not adopt the North Solent SMP. This option was rejected on the basis that it would restrict Southampton City Council from future bidding for national funding to manage coastal flood and erosion risks.