The study will be undertaken in three phases which commenced on 2 January 2006 although work began informally a month before.

Phase One - 9 Months

- Project set up and planning
- Coastal processes studies including marine data collection to provide a clear understanding of the implications of non-intervention
- Flood studies including a topographical survey of the river to provide a clear understanding of the implications of non-intervention
- Geomorphological study to understand the past, present and future evolution of the river
- Production of a conceptual model of the catchment hydrology to understand the interactions of the river and the surrounding land during flood events and under normal circumstances
- Land management investigation to understand how land management techniques could benefit flood management
- Strategic review of assets at risk
- Legislative and policy review to understand and agree the limitations and opportunities of the nature conservation designations
- Environmental scoping
- Identification and strategic review of flood and coastal risk management options
- Consultation

Phase Two - 6 months

- Coastal and river modelling of the flood and coastal risk options (including modelling of the interactions between the river, harbour and sea)
- Fill any information gaps relating to the catchment hydrogeology, coastal processes and the community assets
- Fluvial audit of the river to support options appraisal (geomorphology)
- Options Appraisal of flood risk management options
- Consultation

Phase Three - 6 months

- Final detailed options appraisal (economic, technical and environmental)
- Consultation
- Production of Strategic Environmental Assessment
- Production of Shadow Appropriate Assessment (Habitat Regulations)
- Production of Strategy
- Production of Implementation Plan