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North Norfolk Shoreline Management Plan

Background information

The North Norfolk Shoreline Management Plan (second generation) covers approximately 75 kilometres of coastline from Old Hunstanton in the west to Kelling Hard in the east. It will determine the best way to look after this part of the coast in a sustainable way for the next 100 years.

Where we are now

The plan was developed by a partnership of eight organisations led by the Environment Agency. The partners include: Norfolk County Council, North Norfolk District Council, Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Port of Wells, Norfolk Coast Partnership, Natural England and English Heritage.

The plan is based not only on the latest available scientific knowledge, but also upon the current legislative and funding arrangements for coastal defence management.

Following comments received through public consultation on the draft plan (held from July until November 2009), the SMP was reviewed and updated. We have written to everyone who commented on the draft plan to let them know how we have responded to their comments and how these have been taken into account in the final review.

To ensure completeness and consistency before progressing the plan for adoption and final approval, a national Quality Review Group (QRG) composed of experts from the Environment Agency, consultants, Natural England and Defra also reviewed the plan.

The policy options set out in the plan have now been adopted by all the partner local authorities and Natural England.

Following recommendations by QRG, the plan has been approved by the Environment Agency's Anglian Director. This confirms that all the necessary processes have been followed in the preparation of this SMP2 and that the reports follow the guidance note published by Defra in 2006. 

The main document, appendices and other relevant documents can be downloaded from the East Anglian Coastal Group website

Further information

Further information about the North Norfolk Shoreline Management Plan can be obtained by e-mailing northnorfolksmp@environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling the Environment Agency's National Customer Contact Centre on 0370 8506506* (Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm).

*Approximate call costs: 8p plus 6p per minute (standard landline). Please note changes will vary across telephone providers.

Post Adoption Statement for North Norfolk SMP

A ‘Post Adoption Statement’ is prepared under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations for each SMP.  It outlines how the environment has been taken into account during the development of the plan, and how consultations have influenced the plan.