Covering Letter for Revised SMP Guidance
Letter from the Head of Flood Management Division
3 May 2006
| To: |
Chief Executives of English Maritime Councils |
Dear Chief Executive
SMPs have been an important part of Defra’s policy for the coast for over 10 years. Indeed there are plans covering the entire coastline of England and Wales. These early plans were seen as a major step forward in assessing how coastal processes are likely to impact on the coast and led the way to further detailed research, including Futurecoast.
Since the innovative introduction of this approach much has been learned, especially in linking up with the statutory planning system and in setting objectives for the coastal environment. We have updated the earlier guidance based on these lessons, consulted on it and trialled the new guidance in three very different parts of the coast. These three pilot plans offer additional material to assist in developing plans and will be available on the Defra website shortly.
Attached please find the final updated guidance, in 2 volumes, on the preparation of SMPs which takes into account lessons from the pilots and the consultation. It seeks to balance economic, social and environmental objectives and to help in the consideration of adaptation to the impact of climate change. This guidance should help those involved in drawing up SMPs and in acting upon them to make the decisions needed to ensure a sustainable coast.
When preparing an SMP, operating authorities will need to consider whether an appropriate assessment is necessary under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. A recent European Court of Justice case ruling on land use plans and appropriate assessment is also likely to affect the assessment of SMPs. The attached note
, which has been agreed between Defra and the Environment Agency’s legal advisors, should help inform your own legal advice.
We are planning for a National Advisory Group to be formed to monitor and offer advice to authorities engaged in their production. If you have any suggestions as to the membership of this Group, please contact Jim Hutchison at the York office. Any feedback on SMPs can also be offered by emailing floodmanagementyork@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Nason
Head of Flood Management Division
Page last
modified: 18 August 2006
Page published: 18 August 2006