Introduction
We are one of a number of councils who are vested in the responsibilities for controlling coastal erosion under the Coast Protection Act 1949. We also work in partnership with other organisations to develop policy for a sustainable coastline in Somerset. This page provides more information on these issues.
Somerset Council is a coast protection authority under the Coast Protection Act 1949, and in any sea defence role must also consider the Water Resources Act 1991, and the Land Drainage Act 1991. (The Environment Agency is the primary sea defence authority.) Coast protection authorities have two functions, regulating the protection works of others (such as landowners), and promoting their own schemes.
The Coastal Protection Act is administered by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It allows coastal authorities to carry out capital works, whilst routine maintenance and general husbandry of the coast is regarded as a non-statutory local function. The Act makes no specific provisions for amenity or conservation works and is confined solely to defence structures. However, there are numerous other regulations and European Directives that ensure environmental considerations plays a major part in the design and construction of any new scheme or maintenance works.
We take care of approximately 15km of coast from the Stert Peninsula to Brean Down, and most of the land is privately owned. We have a duty to ensure that the defences that form part of that land are not compromised to reduce the risk of flooding from the sea. Some parts of this coast have man-made sea defences, like the wall at Burnham-on-Sea. These defences are the responsibility of the Environment Agency.
If you notice any change in the coastline or coastal defences, need advice about the coast, or have something important to tell us about it, please contact us.
Private Development on the Coast and Changes to the Coastal Defences
If your property backs onto the coastline and you wish to modify, upgrade or renew the existing coastal defence, you will need planning permission from us and permission from the Environment Agency before the works can go ahead. Please contact in writing the Environment Agency and our Development Control Manager with details of your proposals, before starting any works.
Shoreline Management Plan (No2)
The Shoreline Management Plan is a document that sets out a general strategy for coastal defence and was first produced in 1998. An updated version (no2) was produced in October 2010. The Shoreline Management Plan is a report which identifies and assesses the risks connected with coastal processes.
Access the complete Shoreline Management Plan (no2) documents that cover Sedgemoor’s coastline (opens in new window).
External Coastal Management Groups
We are involved with a number of different external organisations that deal with coastal management. These are:
- Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities
- Bristol Channel Counter Pollution Association
- North Devon and Somerset Coastal Advisory Group
- Severn Estuary Partnership
- Standing Conference of Severnside Local Authorities
Coastal Policy partnerships
We work in partnership with:
- other local authorities
- The Environment Agency
- conservation bodies
- charities with an interest in the Somerset coast
We are actively involved with the following coastal groups.
Devon and the Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCAs)
IFCAswere set up in 2009 to lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries. IFCAs do this by successfully securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry. The Marine and Coastal Access Act requires all local authorities within an IFCA district to contribute to the running and financing of that IFCA .
Read more on the Devon and the Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority website (opens in new window).
Severn Estuary Partnership
The partnership ensures the sustainable management of the Severn Estuary and its surroundings. It brings together the activities of the organisations and individuals with responsibilities and interests in the area.
Find out more on the Severn Estuary Partnership website (opens in new window).
Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (ASERA)
ASERA was formed to help organisations carry out their conservation duties in and around the Severn Estuary. The group has produced a management plan which they are implementing over the next few years. The plan outlines the activities taking place around the estuary and how they impact on the estuary’s important wildlife features.
Find out more on the Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (ASERA) website (opens in new window).
North Devon and Somerset Coastal Advisory Group
This group has developed a North Devon and Somerset Shoreline Management Plan and they are working in partnership to implement the action plan.
Read more on the South West Coastal Monitoring – North Devon and Somerset Shoreline Management Plan (opens in new window).