Shoreline Management Plans (SMP)

A 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.

The production of each Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) involves the appointment of expert firms of consulting engineers 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:

1. Do Nothing - Carry out no coastal defence activity except for safety measures

2. Hold the Line - By intervention, hold the existing defence where it is

3. Advance the Line - By intervention, to move the existing defence seaward

4. Retreat the Line (Managed Retreat) - By intervention, to move the existing defence landward

Example 1 from the North Norfolk SMP: Management Unit No 3 Cley Coastguards to Stiffkey Marshes

Example 2 - Hold the Existing Line in the short term for Blakeney and Morston Defences.

Example 3 - Do Nothing at Blakeney Point - allowing the shingle ridge to evolve naturally.