The Isle of Wight Council is updating the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for the 110km coastline of the Isle of Wight, reviewing the original plan published in 1997. The process will involve public participation as the plan develops in 2008 and 2009.
The Isle of Wight coast will change over the next 100 years due the impacts of marine erosion, ground instability and flooding by the sea. Current levels of risk are likely to increase through greater human activity and development in coastal areas and as a result of the predicted impacts of climate change. Responsibility for management of the Island's coastal defences against erosion and sea flooding is shared between the Isle of Wight Council and the Environment Agency. The Shoreline Management Plan is the means by which these organisations determine the best way to look after the coast in a sustainable way for the next 100 years. It is prepared using guidelines set down by Defra, the Government Department with responsibility for setting national policy for defence of the coastline.
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