9:30am Friday 12th March 2010
By Stephen Ivall
People living near the coast in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, are being asked for their views on proposals for how the coastline should be planned over the next 100 years. A review of the original Shoreline Management Plans, which were completed in 1999, is being undertaken and this is a chance for the public to get further involved in an ongoing consultation process.
During March, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group is holding nine stakeholder and public exhibition events, to show the work that has already been completed on issues and objectives and to consult on proposals for the future.
Julian German, Cornwall Council cabinet member for the Environment, said: “Coastal erosion and sea level rise is nothing new - communities have suffered its effects throughout history, and it will go on happening, so we need to look now at how we can cope with it over the next hundred years, given what we know about the resources that will be available and how the coast will change.
“It is often a very emotive issue, and one that we must all confront. I hope people will take the time to attend these events, make their views known and also provide the project team with information, so we can reach a balanced conclusion that takes into account the needs and livelihoods of coastal communities as well as the impact of climate change.”
In January 2009, Haskoning UK were appointed as the consultant to provide technical advice to the review process on behalf of the Advisory Group.
The SMP Review considers the Government's latest guidance on local strategic planning, the latest data available, nature conservation legislation, and the implications for property and land use, landscape, historic environment, amenity and recreation.
The ‘drop-in’ consultation events and formal presentations are a chance for the public now to comment on the proposals to be included in the Shoreline Management Plan. The events will introduce the background to Shoreline Management Plans, talk through the issues and objectives and explain the draft management options and policy proposals now being considered.
All events commence at 1600 hrs, for informal ‘Drop-in’ sessions during the afternoon. Followed by a Formal Presentation & Questions & Answers session, commencing at 1800 hrs. [An additional Drop-in session for the IoS will be staged on 18 March from 1030 to 1300 hrs].
The events will take place on the following dates and venues: Tuesday 16 March Falmouth Learning Centre National Maritime Museum Discovery Quay Falmouth TR11 3QY.
Wednesday 17 March Padstow Parish Church Rooms Church Street Padstow.
Thursday 18 March Isles of Scilly Old Wesleyan Chapel Garrison Lane St Marys IOS TR21 0JD.
Monday 22 March Bude Rooms 2/3 Parkhouse Centre Ergue-Gaberic Way Bude EX23 8LD.
Tuesday 23 March Hayle Denis Hollow Room Passmore Edwards Institute [Hayle’s Village Hall] 13-15 Hayle Terrace, Hayle TR27 4BU.
Thursday 25 March Penzance St Johns Hall (Lecture Room) Alverton St, Penzance TR18 2QR.
Monday 29 March Looe Guildhall Fore Street East Looe PL13 1AA.
Tuesday 30 March Mevagissey IT Suite Mevagissey Activity Centre Valley Road, Mevagissey PL26 6SA.
Wednesday 31 March Perranporth Perranporth Memorial Hall Wheal Leisure Perranporth TR6 0DP.
Cllr German said: “It is vital that we engage as many people as possible who have an interest in this issue during these consultation events, to ensure that we are making informed and sustainable decisions.”
The events are open to all stakeholders and members of the public and are free to attend.
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