Coastal adaptation document formally adopted

The joint Coastal Adaptation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), prepared in partnership by East Suffolk Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, North Norfolk District Council, the Broads Authority and Coastal Partnership East, supports the implementation of Local Plan policies relating to the coast from Holkham in North Norfolk to Felixstowe in East Suffolk.

The SPD provides detailed guidance for residents, developers, businesses and landowners on the interpretation and implementation of planning policies to support a managed approach to coastal erosion risk to support longer term preparedness and community resilience.

In particular, the guidance relates to development within Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMAs), rollback and relocation away from CCMAs, and enabling development which can generate additional finance to help fund a rollback or relocation scheme. Also included are various case studies of coastal adaptation best practice from the SPD area.

Cllr Kay Yule, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management said: "Many of our communities, within East Suffolk and further along the Norfolk coastline, are likely to be affected by coastal change in future. This joint document will help shape planning decisions within these areas, increasing our resilience to coastal change and helping to protect households and the local economy wherever possible."

Cllr James Bensly, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and coastal management at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: "While this document does not change planning policies, it does provide valuable advice for development and planning applications on our coast as we look to do all we can to protect homes and business in our communities that might be affected by erosion. We welcome this new planning guidance for residents, landowners and businesses."

Cllr Harry Blathwayt, portfolio holder for Coast at North Norfolk District Council and Broads Authority Planning Committee Chair, said: "I welcome the Broads Authority committee's decision to support this vital brick in the wall of the Coastwise and Coastal Protection East's ability to support the planning issues raised by our eroding coast and help communities on the front line facing the ever rising sea-level."

From a North Norfolk District Council perspective, Cllr Blathwayt said: "I welcome the joint adoption of the Coastal Adaptation SPD. Coastal change brings us so much uncertainty, this will allow all those involved in the protection and development in areas at risk of erosion as well as flood strong and clear guidance. I thank all those involved in processing, drafting, and adopting this SPD - it is a positive step in the right direction."

The SPD does not form part of the development plan and does not change planning or shoreline management policies. It does however provide guidance on the implementation of coastal planning policies and is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

The SPD and relevant supporting documents can be viewed at each of the Council websites.