Issue - meetings

Executive Summary

Coastwise is delivering the Corporate Plan objective “Realising the opportunities of external funding to secure a sustainable future for our coastal communities through transition and adaptation responses”. 

The Coastal Adaptation Pilot (CAP) provides an opportunity to extend the project to continue to implement local actions and trial new longer-term initiatives.  The learning continues to contribute to the national discussion for action to prepare communities impacted by coastal erosion.

It is recommended that NNDC take forward the CAP opportunity and secure or allocate the required funding contribution.

Options considered

Not to proceed with the Coastal Adaptation Pilot extension to Coastwise and not take forward the ongoing work and opportunity to better prepare our communities for coastal erosion or to contribute to national learning and approaches into coastal erosion adaptation.  This approach is not recommended as it will not meet the Corporate Plan objectives or support the delivery of the adopted Shoreline Management Plan.

Consultation(s)

This report has been developed in consultation with the Coastwise Project Board, Coastal Portfolio Holder, Director of Resources and Environment Agency.  The development of this next phase of Coastwise has also included consultation with the wider Coastal Transition Pilot local authorities including Great Yarmouth Borough Council, East Suffolk Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Recommendations

It is recommended that Cabinet:

1. Agrees to participate in the Coastal Adaptation Pilot (CAP) programme, accepting grant funds to continue the delivery and to further develop the Coastwise initiative under the existing governance arrangements.
2. Delegate to Coastal Manager, in consultation with the Coastal Portfolio Holder and Director of Resources, the formulation of the updated business case and submission to the Environment Agency.
3. Recommend to Full Council, the allocation of up to £500,000 as match funding for the programme, to be sourced from reserves if Local Levy (from the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, RFCC) or other grant sources is not forthcoming.
4. To extend the contracts of existing Coastwise personnel to the end of March 2029.

Reasons for recommendations

To enable continued development and delivery of Coastal Adaptation activity, supporting local at-risk communities and contributing towards national policy development.

To maintain the momentum established by the Coastwise initiative, the success of which has been recognised by the proposed inclusion of North Norfolk District Council as a participating authority in the Coastal Adaptation Pilot programme.

Background papers

• Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme Outline Business Case
• Coastwise Communications and Engagement Plan
• Coastal Adaptation Pilot Principles (EA)
• Coastwise Board papers

Wards affected

Coastal, Sheringham South, Sheringham North, Beeston Regis and the Runtons, Cromer Town, Suffield Park, Poppyland, Roughton, Mundesley, Bacton, Happisburgh

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr Harry Blathwayt – Portfolio Holder for the Coast

Contact Officer

Rob Goodliffe – Coastal Manager – Rob.Goodliffe@north-norfolk.gov.uk – 01263 516321