Coastal Management Overview

The District of North Norfolk has a coastal frontage of approximately 68km stretching from Holkham in the west to Horsey in the south-east. The central 34km of the coastal frontage, from Kelling Hard through to Cart Gap, Happisburgh, is characterised by soft glacial cliffs and sandy beaches. This is in stark contrast to the low lying areas found on either flank. In the west there are saltmarshes and the famous shingle ridge leading to Blakeney Point spit, while to the east the beaches and sand-dunes are all that separates the North Sea from the Norfolk Broads. North Norfolk is host to several popular holiday destinations such as Cromer, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

The North Norfolk coastline makes a vital contribution to the environmental quality of the District as well as to the health of the local economy and the quality of life of the inhabitants and visitors to the area. The coast brings huge opportunities but also many challenges, that local communities, local authorities and a host of other organisations are facing. North Norfolk District Council is keen to ensure that the future of the coastal area brings both environmental benefits and economic prosperity in order to safeguard the wellbeing of today's communities, and that of future generations.

The Environment Agency has Strategic Overview of the management of the whole coast, however, the District Council maintains the coastal defences and related coastal infrastructure between Kelling Hard and Cart Gap. The Environment Agency is also the responsible authority for flooding (both river and coastal).

Coastal Management Challenges
The challenges facing coastal communities in North Norfolk are explained by clicking on the following links.

• Communities At Risk - Planning for a Future with a Changing Coastline (Sept 2008) (Adobe PDF 651KB)
• Coastal Planning in North Norfolk: Information Sheet no.1 (May 2007) (Adobe PDF 3MB)

Coastal Change Fund
This document summarises the bid that North Norfolk District Council has submitted for a substantial amount of funding from the £11 million Coastal Change Pathfinder Fund, to support local adaptation projects.

• Pathfinder Bid Summary (PDF 61KB)

Development and Coastal Erosion Guidance
Guidance for prospective developers and those determining planning applications on the nature of development that is likely to be appropriate within the Coastal Erosion Constraint Area is contained in the following document:

• Development and Coastal Erosion Guidance (PDF 150KB)

Coastal Management Plan
The Council is preparing a Coastal Management Plan (CMP), which aims to address the impacts of coastal change.

Shoreline Management Plans
The Council is also involved in the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs). These provide the basis for coast defence policy in the District.

Further details about the work of the Coastal Management Team can be found by accessing the pages in the right hand menu, or by contacting us directly: