The management of the coastline from regional down to local level consists of a series of plans and strategies, which aim to deliver maximum protection and value for money.
The South Downs Coastal Group (SDCG) and the South East Coastal Group (SECG) were set up in the mid 1990's with the primary aim of producing Shoreline Management Plans (SMP's).
The purpose of a SMP is to provide a large scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes. It presents a policy framework to reduce those risks to people and the developed, historic and natural environment in a sustainable way. These plans provide the basis of sustainable coastal defence policies and set objectives for the future management of the coastline.
Eastbourne is covered by two SMP's, the SDCG SMP covers the coast from Beachy Head to Selsey Bill and the SECG SMP covers the coast from South Foreland to Beachy Head. Both SMP's have recently undergone reviews. You can find out more on the SDCG and SECG websites.
