Coastal Groups

The Government has encouraged the formation of voluntary coastal defence groups made up of maritime district authorities and other bodies with coastal defence responsibilities. As part of this approach Defra has issued guidance for maritime district authorities to help in the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs).

These plans aim to promote a strategic approach to flood and coastal defence works along the coastline based on a detailed understanding of natural processes, planning issues, current and future land use, defence needs and environmental considerations.

The map below shows the location and boundaries of the seven coastal groups, together with links to their web sites.

Please click on your area of interest