11

Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) are not consistently integrated into Local Plans, resulting in planning decisions...

Conclusion
Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) are not consistently integrated into Local Plans, resulting in planning decisions that do not account for future coastalchange risks. The mismatch between Local Plan timescales and the longerterm horizons of SMPs could lead to developments being approved in areas that are not expected to remain protected, creating avoidable future risk for communities and infrastructure. (Conclusion, Paragraph 36)
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 22 June 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.5 yr
Report published 20 Mar 2026