Innovation Project SLD2317
Slapton Coastal Zone Adaptation Plan
Aim
The aim of this project is to develop and implement an innovative and sustainable community-based adaptation programme for the coast at Slapton in South Devon.
Project Description
The site
Slapton Sands in South Devon is a 5km long shingle beach facing east into Start Bay and the English Channel. Behind the beach (also known as Slapton Line) is Slapton Ley nature reserve, with the largest natural freshwater lake in the Southwest of England. The beach and nature reserve are a popular visitor destination with carparks and the village of Torcross, while the main A379 road runs along the beach-head linking the towns of Dartmouth and Kingsbridge and the intervening villages. The area lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast, and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserve and Geological Conservation Review site.
The challenge
Slapton Sands is very vulnerable to coastal erosion. The main coastal A-road was closed for several months in 2001 following storms, causing significant disruption to the communities, traffic and local economy, and with extensive damage to the carpark and old coast defences. Recent studies have confirmed that it is not feasible on economic or environmental grounds to defend the road and beachhead from future erosion by engineered intervention. With some limited realignment the road may survive for 30 years or more, although a catastrophic storm and breach could happen at any time. The policy is therefore about implementing small-scale protective measures coupled with a long-term adaptation programme, working with the community to manage the process of responding to coastal change creatively and positively.
The objectives of the project
The project objectives are to:
- manage a process of adaptation to coastal change at Slapton in a way that is positive and sustainable;
- engage local communities through a programme of involvement and participation;
- produce a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits with tangible outputs;
- further strengthen response systems through effective communications and contingency planning;
- take an innovative approach to flood and coastal erosion risk management.
The project actions
A broad range of linked actions will include an extensive public communication and engagement programme; adaptation of local small business sector; development of sustainable environmental tourism; habitat adaptation; policy integration (incorporating the coastal policy and adaptation programme into the Local Development Framework and other strategies); review and adoption of emergency plan; traffic adaptation planning (redesign of local transport links and services for local people); development of options for alternative public access; exploration of alternative inland coast path corridor; coastal monitoring; sharing best practice.
The outcomes and benefits of the project
- a positive and sustainable future for the Slapton area, balancing the needs of the coastal environment, community and economy;
- solutions and adaptations that are understood and supported by local residents, businesses and service providers;
- clear-sighted future planning and risk management, supported by effective co-ordination and communication;
- increased skills and capacity within the Partnership organisations for managing coastal change in the future;
- improvements to the condition status of Slapton Ley Site of Special Scientific Interest;
- the development of a model for community involvement in coastal adaptation which will be applicable to other areas.
How the project will be run
The aim is to ensure that the right measures are put in place to adapt to the changing coastline, to mitigate against damaging impacts, and to develop new opportunities and benefits, with the support and engagement of the local community. A three year programme is proposed, led and co-ordinated by the existing Slapton Line Partnership. It will include:
- working through the Slapton Line Advisory Forum (community representatives), with adaptation workshops and public engagement;
- a range of tangible outputs "on the ground";
- further research on economic impacts and business opportunities, working with the small business sector both in the immediate Torcross locality and the wider Dartmouth to Kingsbridge area;
- the further development of emergency planning, communication and contingency arrangements;
- working with key service providers (emergency, transport, health, education, etc) to develop future adaptation measures;
- environmental modelling and actions for the National Nature Reserve, developing future management options to mitigate loss of certain habitats and develop new ones;
- a communication and public engagement programme with web site, newsletters, on-site panels, etc;
- securing compliance with statutory regulations and permissions and to advance these in readiness for response to future erosion events;
- learning from and exchanging current good practice in other areas.
The above will be achieved through the use of existing staff resources plus the employment of a project manager and additional expertise as required.
Project Duration
3 years
Project Leader
Robin Toogood, South Hams District Council, Robin.Toogood@southhams.gov.uk
Project Website
www.slaptonlinepartnership.co.uk
Page last modified: 10 January 2007
Page published: 4 January 2007