Shoreline Management Plans
Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) set out a planned approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risk around the coast of England over the next century.
What are SMPs?
An SMP sets out the policy for managing a length of coastline in response to the threat of coastal flooding and the risks of erosion. It is a high level non-statutory policy document that aims to balance those risks with natural processes and the consequences of climate change. SMPs need to take account of existing defences and the natural and built environments, and be compatible with adjacent coastal areas.
SMPs were first developed by coastal groups in the 1990s with the latest developed between 2006 and 2012.
The two SMPs covering the Dorset Coast are overseen by the Southern Coastal Group and South West Coastal Group – with Portland Bill being the dividing point between the two. Coastal Groups are comprised of officers from the Environment Agency, Local Authorities, and other key stakeholder groups with a role in managing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion. You can find out more about coastal groups > here
The Environment Agency has a strategic overview role for the management of all sources of flooding and coastal change in England, including coastal erosion. This includes approving SMPs and any changes made to them.
Dorset SMPs
There are two SMPs that cover the Dorset coast.
Poole & Christchurch Bays SMP
The Poole & Christchurch Bays SMP covers the open coast, harbours, estuaries and headlands between Hurst Spit (Hampshire) in the east, and Durlston Head (Dorset) in the west.
South Devon & Dorset SMP
The South Devon & Dorset SMP covers the open coast, harbours, estuaries and headlands between Durlston Head (Dorset) in the east, and Rame Head (Cornwall) in the west.
SMP Explorer
Find out about national SMP locations & policies >
SMP Guidance
For more information and guidance >
Important note:
The SMP is a policy document which makes recommendations for action. Implementation of the SMP’s Action Plan will depend on available funding. There is no guarantee that such funding will be forthcoming. It may be available from the national flood and coastal erosion risk management budget, but it could also come from other national sources or from local and/or third party funding.