The term Coastal Change is used to describe the effects of wave action and weather on the geology of the coastline. This process is heavily influenced by the building, failure or removal of sea defences and also by sea level rise.

The adjustment of our coastline has had a detrimental effect on housing, on people’s livelihoods, on the coastal environment and on the economic prospects of the whole community. These impacts are being experienced now and are likely to become worse in the future.

NNDC is responsible for coast defences for approximately half of the District’s coastline. Wherever feasible, our programme of maintaining existing sea defences will continue; the pathfinder programme is in addition to this - not an alternative.

The extent of coastal change is predicted by Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) and such plans for our District are likely to be finalised later this year. These plans provide the policy basis for investment in coast defences; however, they have limited scope to address the consequences of coastal change. A different approach to coastal management has therefore been developed in North Norfolk and our experience of managing our dynamic coastline has put us at the forefront of coastal change issues nationally. The Coastal Concern Action Group (based in Happisburgh) has also become an influential lobby organisation.