PREPARATION OF A SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

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Reason for Report To obtain Committee agreement to the preparation of a Shoreline Management Plan for Dumfi-ies and Galloway, to provide the strategic context for the Council’s future planning and investment decisions in coastal defences and infrastructure and to provide guidance to the public in terms of hture coastal development.

Background Dumfi-ies and Galloway’s coastline extends for 280km from Loch Ryan in the west to Gretna in the east. The coast and its environment is of vital importance to the economy and heritage of the region. One of the principle actions in the Solway Firth Strategy, produced in 1998, was the preparation of a Shoreline Management Plan for the Scottish shores of the Solway Firth. This Council was identified as the lead partner to take this proposal forward. In recent years coastal erosion and flooding has become a significant issue. Erosion in some areas will lead to deposition in others and the effect of coastal defence or protection on one stretch of the coast line can have significant implications elsewhere. National Planning Policy Guideline 14 on Coastal Planning advises that where coastal erosion or flooding is identified as a problem planning authorities should consider preparing, in association with adjoining authorities and agencies, and taking expert advice where necessary, non-statutory shoreline management plans. These plans should:-

Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of coastal erosion, deposition and flooding. Consider the implications of alternative means of dealing with coastal erosion. Outline strategies for coastal defence. Identifj the implications for development plan policies and development control decisions. Highlight opportunities for maintaining and enhancing the natural environment of the coast. Set out arrangements of monitoring the natural processes at work on the coast and the effect of the coastal defence strategy.

In June the Committee considered and agreed a report on coastal flooding, erosion and defence issues, which included a coastal protection inventory. The Committee agreed to appoint consultants to provide advice on tidal and coastal changes which may affect the region in future. Discussion with consultants and with Scottish Natural Heritage has raised the prospect of a partnership project to prepare a Shoreline Management Plan for Dumfi-ies and Galloway which will provide the strategic framework and future decision making. Key Points A Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) will provide a comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes and will present a policy framework to reduce

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these risks to people and the developed, historic and natural environment in a sustainable manner. The Shoreline Management Plan is a strategic document that forms an important element of the strategy for flood and coastal defence. Such a strategy could aim to reduce risks by:- * Encouraging the provision of adequate and cost-effective flood warning systems.

Encouraging the provision of adequate, technically, environmentally and economically sound and sustainable flood and coastal defence measures. Discouraging inappropriate development in areas at risk from flooding or coastal erosion.

The plan would include:- A clear focus on the assessment and management of flooding and coastal erosion risks over a consistent plan time scale (50 years) Awareness of the longer-term (50- 100+ years) implications of coastal evolution, climate change and sea level rise. Awareness of the uncertainties associated with predicting future shoreline management requirements. Recognition that the current shoreline management policy may no longer be feasible or acceptable at some time over the next 50 years. In such circumstances the preferred policy should include a planned transition from the current Shoreline Management Plan option to an alternative, sustainable policy. Identification of the consequences of adopting particular policies, at an appropriate level of detail. This should involve, amongst other things, an assessment of the implications of policies on internationally and nationally protected sites as well as non-statutory sites and habitats considered by Biodiversity Action Plans. Consideration of estuaries within the Shoreline Management Plan process. Efficient and focussed consultation, with consultees invited to make representations on provisional policies and their likely consequences. Identification of the anticipated sources of funding for any coastal defence works or operations that might be required to implement the preferred policies, over the next ten years. Provision for informing and supporting the planning system in discouraging inappropriate development in areas at risk from flooding or coastal erosion. Provision for a standard format for plans, especially within the same coastal cell.

The preparation of a Shoreline Management Plan would be undertaken in a number of stages and would require public consultation to be an integral part of the process. In this regard, the Council and its partner, Scottish Natural Heritage can use the consultative forums already established in the form of the Loch Ryan Forum, and Solway Firth Partnership to involve the public at critical stages in the policy and planning development process. The Council has already contributed to, and benefited from, a partnership project to establish the prospects for managed retreat in the Inner Solway European Marine Site - a study undertaken earlier this year and sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage. The results of this study will form a Shoreline Management Plan for the Solway Coast. A number of other Councils in Scotland have prepared Shoreline Management Plans, most notably Fife Council, and have the benefit of a strategic overview in taking investment decisions on coastal defence programmes.

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Policy Context The preparation of a Shoreline Management Plan for Dumfiies and Galloway will support the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives including Economic Regeneration - ensuring that planning and infrastructure aids economic development, and Quality of Life - protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

Staffing and Financial Implications Staff resources will be required to prepare a brief and oversee the project, although it is anticipated that the major part of the task of preparing the SMP will require to be undertaken by specialist consultants. Public consultations, which generally require a heavy staffing input can be assisted in this case by working with the Loch Ryan Forum and the Solway Firth Partnership. The cost of preparing a Shoreline Management Plan has been estimated at between E40k and Bok. Scottish Natural Heritage has confirmed its intention to assist with the costs of the project and will consider an application for grant funding up to 50% of the cost. The final financial arrangement for the preparation of a SMP will be the subject of a further report.

Consultation The Director for Finance has been consulted in the preparation of this report.

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To agree in principle the preparation of a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for Dumfries and Galloway. To work in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage on the production of the SMP and to make formal application for grant to implement the project once funding has been agreed. To undertake public consultation as part of the process of preparing the SMP in conjunction with the Loch Ryan Forum and the Solway Firth Partnership. To receive further reports on progress as the project develops.

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Jsral 1amcc.doc Jim Smith Planning and Environmental Consultancy Group Militia House, English Street, Dumfi-ies, DG 1 2HR

11 November 2002

Background Papers: (as required under the Access to Information Act)

APPENDIX /-(0)

Report Environment and Infrastructure Report