Sidmouth councillor backs DCC welcome to revised shoreline management plan

Published: 9:24 PM July 22, 2009 Updated: 6:31 PM November 7, 2020

A CAUTIOUS welcome has been given to the revised South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Management plan by Devon County Council.

The revised plan updates the original SMP, first published in 1998, which sets out how the coastline and coastal risks should be managed from Plymouth to Durlston Head near Swanage over the next 20, 50 and 100 years.

Consultations on the plan, prepared for South Devon and Dorset Coastal Advisory Group, end today (Friday, July 24).

DCC supports the 'hold the line' policy option for continued investment in maintaining existing coastal defences to prevent flooding and erosion, and to leave undeveloped and open coast to evolve naturally.

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Objections were raised to the policy of 'managed realignment', with concerns over the potential threat to Alma Bridge and the eastern part of Sidmouth, caused by a receding coastline, the impact on Seaton Tramway, and how a significant increase in tidal surge could affect Axmouth Bridge.

County is calling for further discussion and potential alternative solutions to be considered.

Sidmouth/Sidford County Councillor Stuart Hughes, DCC's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "This is the first opportunity we've had to address any anomalies in the plan since it was published 11 years ago.

"It is of the utmost importance that we respond and generally our response supports the SMP proposals.

"My only hope is that those responsible for the SMP will take our comments on board.

"Any proposals have to be the right ones to ensure the safety of residents and the local economy which would be severely affected in a flooding incident."

The review document can be found at: www.sdadcag.org.