CLG published Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 25 Supplement: Development and Coastal Change on 9 March 2010. It replaces the policy on managing the impacts of coastal erosion to development set out in Planning Policy Guidance 20, Coastal Planning which is cancelled with the exception of paragraphs 2.9, 2.10 and 3.9.

The RTPI responded to the draft PPS in 2009, outlining support for the overall principle of the emerging policy, in particular its focus on managing risk against the impending impacts of climate change in coastal areas. We called for a common sense approach to development in areas at risk from coastal erosion, with the final PPS preventing development in these areas, but allowing some temporary development. The RTPI supports this position.

The role of Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) was questioned in our response, as in their present state, they do not provide a sufficient and adequate supporting evidence base. The purpose of an SMP is to inform policy, to fund flood and coastal erosion defences, and to deal with issues such as feasibility and funding of defences, biodiversity and protected areas. SMPs do not take into account future development or regeneration; nor do they take social and economic changes into account. Also, as the period of use for SMPs expires in 2010, we would query how this fits in with LDFs and RSS timetables. The RTPI is pleased that the accompanied Practice Guidance to the PPS provides further information on SMPs and how they relate to regional and local plans. 

Guidance to help practitioners implement this policy is provided in the PPS25 Supplement: Development and Coastal Change Practice Guide.

Click here to read the RTPI Response to the Draft PPS25 Supplement: Development & Coastal Change.

Please contact the Policy Team for further information.

Author:

Rebecca Coates

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

15-Mar-10

Categories:

Nations & Regions, Networks & Associations, Planning / Planning Resources, Planning Matters, Policy, Practice 

Sections:

News & Media , What Planning Does

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