Cumbria Coastal
Strategy
baseline information report
March 20 20
BASELINE INFORMATION REPORT
© Copyright 2019 Jacobs Consultancy Ltd. The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Jacobs. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Jacobs constitutes an infringement of copyright.
Limitation: This document has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of Jacobs’ client, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the provisions of the contract between Jacobs and the client. Jacobs accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this document by any third party.
Document history and status
Revision Date Description Author Checked Reviewed Approved
0.0 August 2017 Draft for client review HJ HJ AP AP
1.0 August 2018 Minor edits. HJ HJ AP AP
1.0 November 2018 Approved by Project Review HJ HJ AP AP Group and reissued as part of option engagement
1.1 March 2020 Reissued as part of evidence HJ HJ AP AP database in support of the Strategy
Note: This report was finalised in August 2018 to identify the key sources of data available to inform development of the Strategy. Since its production, additional data and information has been made available, which has been incorporated into subsequent reports. Version 0.0 of this report was produced by CH2M: in January 2018 CH2M became part of Jacobs, therefore the original report has been rebranded. No other updates of this document have been undertaken.
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Contents 1 Context ...... 1 1.1 This document ...... 1 1.2 Strategy background ...... 1 1.3 Strategy scope ...... 1 1.4 SMP2 and CeTASS ...... 2 1.4.1 SMP2...... 2 1.4.2 CeTASS ...... 6 2 Changes in national guidance & legislation ...... 8 2.1 Flood and Water Management Act 2010 ...... 8 2.2 Marine Plans (Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009) ...... 8 2.3 Coastal access (Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009) ...... 9 2.4 National flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England ...... 11 2.5 National Planning Policy Framework ...... 11 2.6 Biodiversity 2020 ...... 12 2.7 Partnership funding ...... 12 2.8 Economic analysis ...... 13 2.9 Climate change data and guidance ...... 13 2.10 Catchment based approach to flood management ...... 14 3 National data sets ...... 15 3.1 Flood risk ...... 15 3.1.1 Environment Agency Flood Mapping ...... 15 3.1.2 Catchment flood management plans ...... 15 3.1.3 Flood Risk Management Plans ...... 15 3.2 Erosion risk ...... 16 3.3 Economic datasets ...... 16 3.3.1 Property data ...... 16 3.3.2 Deprivation values ...... 17 3.4 Environmental conservation sites ...... 17 3.4.1 International Sites ...... 17 3.4.2 Marine Environmental ...... 18 3.4.3 National Character Area (NCAs) ...... 20 3.4.4 Water Bodies ...... 20 3.4.5 Heritage data ...... 21 4 Regional and local data sets ...... 23 4.1 Northwest Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme ...... 23 4.1.1 Data ...... 23 4.1.2 Local monitoring reports and management area summaries: ...... 23 4.1.3 Regional Sediment Analysis and Reporting 2015 ...... 24 4.1.4 North West Estuaries Processes Reports, 2013 ...... 24 4.1.5 Cell 11 Regional Monitoring Strategy (CERMS) 2010 Monitoring Update Report, 2012 ...... 25 4.2 Coastal defence data ...... 25 4.2.1 NFCDD / AIMS data ...... 25 4.2.2 Coastal Defence Inspection Surveys ...... 26 4.2.3 Third party reports ...... 26 4.3 Asset data sets ...... 27 4.3.1 Key data ...... 27 4.3.2 Network Rail ...... 27 4.4 Local Conservation Sites ...... 27
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4.4.1 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) ...... 27 4.4.2 Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites ...... 28 5 Coastal strategies, studies and proposals ...... 29 5.1 Moorside Project, ongoing ...... 29 5.2 North West Coast Connections Project, ongoing ...... 29 5.3 West Cumbria Mining (WCM), ongoing ...... 30 5.4 Ulverston Bypass, ongoing ...... 31 5.5 Whitehaven South Beach Appraisal, 2016 ...... 31 5.6 B5300 Coastal Defence Appraisal, 2015 ...... 32 5.7 A590 Greenodd Embankment, ongoing ...... 32 5.8 Dubmill Point timber groynes and sea wall – various reports, 2015 ...... 33 5.9 Walney Island Strategy Review, 2014 ...... 33 5.10 Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm, 2013 ...... 33 5.11 Sea Mill Coast Protection Options Appraisal, 2012 ...... 34 5.12 Stubb Place Coast Protection Options Appraisal, 2012 ...... 35 5.13 St Bees Groynes Appraisal report, 2011 ...... 36 5.14 Roa Island Shorelink Sustainability Study, 2010 Review ...... 37 5.15 Local Plans ...... 38 5.15.1 Carlisle Local Plan ...... 38 5.15.2 Allerdale Local Plan ...... 38 5.15.3 Copeland Local Plan ...... 38 5.15.4 Lake District National Park Local Plan and Management Plan ...... 38 5.15.5 Barrow Local Plan ...... 38 5.15.6 South Lakeland Local Plan ...... 39 5.15.7 Land allocation data for Cumbria ...... 39 6 Other reports ...... 40 6.1 Appraisal of SMP delivery Risk, 2017 ...... 40 6.2 Review of SMP Action Plan ...... 40 6.3 National Trust Future Coast project, 2015 (confidential) ...... 40 6.4 Local Authority study scoping responses ...... 41 6.5 Other reports from Partner Local Authorities and Environment Agency ...... 41 7 Key data gaps ...... 42
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1 Context 1.1 This document This Baseline Information Report is for the Cumbria Coastal Strategy (CCS), also referred to as the ‘Strategy’ within this document. It summarises the available data and information that will be used to inform development of the Strategy. 1.2 Strategy background The North West England and North Wales Shoreline Management Plan 2 (SMP2), the second generation of SMPs, was completed in 2010 and reviewed the first versions that had been developed 10 years earlier. The SMP2 provided a large-scale assessment of the risks associated with erosion and flooding along the region’s coast between Great Orme’s Head in North Wales and the Scottish Borders and was produced in line with DEFRA Shoreline Management Plan Guidance (March 2006). The SMP2 provides a strategic framework for more detailed strategies for managing and improving coastal management. The requirement for a more detailed strategy to cover the smaller interacting policy areas of the Cumbrian coast was identified in the SMP2. Coastal strategies form the second tier in the shoreline management planning hierarchy; below the high level non-statutory Shoreline Management Plans and above the local level scheme design documents. Having a detailed coastal strategy to assess coastal flood and erosion risk will allow infrastructure providers and the coastal protection authorities to comprehensively quantify the risks and associated damages of coastal flooding and erosion and plan long-term future investment. This Strategy is being led by Cumbria County Council on behalf of the Cumbria Coast Protection Authorities (CPAs) and covers the entire Cumbrian coast. In line with the units set out by the SMP2, the Strategy is sub- divided as follows: • Sub-cell 11c (part): Arnside to Hodbarrow Point, including Walney Island and Duddon Estuary; • Sub-cell 11d: Hodbarrow Point to St. Bees Head, including the Ravenglass Estuary complex; and • Sub-cell 11e: St. Bees Head to the Scottish Border, including Moricambe Bay and the Eden Estuary. Each sub cell is divided into smaller interacting policy areas of open coasts or estuaries. 1.3 Strategy scope The Strategy will build upon work undertaken to date, and specifically the information contained within the SMP2. The strategy also needs to update, where necessary, information contained within the SMP2 to incorporate: • changes in national guidance and legislation, such as the introduction of the Marine and Coastal Access Act in 2009 and Flood and Water Management Act in 2010, changes to funding, establishment of new groups such as the Regional Flood and Coastal Committees and updated advise with regard to consideration of climate change. • new data produced, such as through the North West Strategic Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme • updated national mapping of flood and erosion risk; • new and updated environmental designations, including historical assets;
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• changes in defence condition, including both natural deterioration where no works have been undertaken and area where defences have been improved or replaced • completion of various studies, schemes and projects, such as Walney Island Strategy, Whitehaven South Beach Appraisal, Sea Mill Coast Protection Options appraisal and a number of others detailed in Section 6. There have also been various studies carried out along the Sellafield coastline. 1.4 SMP2 and CeTASS 1.4.1 SMP2 The North West England and North Wales Shoreline Management Plan 2 (SMP2) (July 2010) provides a large scale assessment of the risks associated with erosion and flooding along the region’s coast between Great Orme’s Head in North Wales and the Scottish Borders. The SMP2 was developed in line with Defra Shoreline Management Plan Guidance (March 2006) and has been adopted as a policy document by the Coast Protection Authorities and approved by the Environment Agency. Full details of the SMP2 are available on line on the Coastal Group website at the following location: http://www.mycoastline.org.uk/mycoastline/. The Cumbrian coastline extends to some 420 km and lies within the following SMP2 Sub-Cells: • Sub-Cell 11c (part) Arnside to Hodbarrow Point (Millom, Cumbria) (including the Kent, Leven and Duddon estuaries); • Sub-Cell 11d Hodbarrow Point to St Bees Head (including Ravenglass Estuary complex); and • Sub-Cell 11e St Bees Head to Scottish Border (including Morecambe Bay and the Eden.
Figure 1.1: Map showing the shoreline of North West England and North Wales and the SMP2 Sub-Cells The SMP2 provides a series of tables and maps or Policy Statements that present the SMP2 policies for each area. The Policy Statements are arranged by Sub-Cell and within each Sub-Cell the shoreline has been sub-divided into smaller interacting areas of open coast or estuaries, known as Policy Areas, which cover a number of Policy Units. The locations of the SMP2 Policy Areas for the Cumbrian Coast are shown in Figures 1.2 to 1.4 below. The Policy Units are identified by a number which increases sequentially along the shoreline from south to north. The policy unit boundaries shown should not be taken as definitive, as the SMP2 is based upon high-
2 BASELINE INFORMATION REPORT level assessment and more detailed studies at implementation may justify the need to ‘go across’ boundaries shown by a small distance in order to appropriately deliver the intention of the Plan policies.
Figure 1.2: SMP Policy Areas in Sub-Cell 11c
Policy areas in Sub-Cell 11c within Cumbria: • 11c 8: Heald Brow to Humphrey Head (part) • 11c 9: Kent Estuary • 11c 10: Humphrey Head to Cark • 11c 11: Outer Leven Estuary • 11c 12: Leven Estuary • 11c 13: Bardsea to Piel Island • 11c 14: Walney Island • 11c 15: Walney Channel (Mainland) • 11c 16: Duddon Estuary
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Figure 1.3: SMP Policy Areas in Sub-Cell 11d Policy areas in Sub-Cell 11d within Cumbria: • 11d 1: Hodbarrow Point to Selker • 11d 2: Selker to Eskmeals • 11d 3: Ravenglass Estuary Complex • 11d 4: Drigg Point to Seascale • 11d 5: Seascale to St Bees • 11d 6: St Bees • 11d 7: St Bees Head
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Figure 1.4: SMP Policy Areas in Sub-Cell 11e Policy areas in Sub-Cell 11d within Cumbria: • 11e 1: St Bees Head to Whitehaven • 11e 2: Whitehaven to Workington • 11e 3: Workington to Maryport • 11e 4: Maryport to Dubmill Point • 11e 5: Dubmill Point to Silloth • 11e 6: Silloth to The Grune • 11e 7: Moricambe Bay • 11e 8: Cardurnock to the Scottish Border
For each Policy Area the SMP2 provides a Policy Statement which consists of the following information: • Summary of the SMP2 recommendations • Predicted implications of the policies being adopted in this location • Action Plan • Maps
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In support of the SMP2, a number of appendices were produced: A: SMP2 Development This reports the history of development of the SMP2, describing more fully the plan and policy decision- making process. B: Stakeholder Engagement All communications from the stakeholder process are provided here, together with information arising from the consultation process. C: Baseline Process Understanding Includes baseline process report, defence assessment, ‘No active intervention’ and ‘With present management’ assessments and summarises data used in assessments. D: SEA Environmental Baseline This report identifies and evaluates the environmental Report (Theme Review) features (human, natural, historical and landscape). E: Issues & Objectives Evaluation Provides information on the issues and objectives identified as part of the Plan development, including appraisal of their importance. F: Policy Development and Appraisal Presents the consideration of generic policy options for each frontage, identifying possible acceptable policies, and their combination into ‘scenarios’ for testing. Also presents the appraisal of impacts upon shoreline evolution and the appraisal of objective achievement. G: Policy Scenario Testing Presents the policy assessment and appraisal of objective achievement towards definition of the Preferred Plan (as presented in the Shoreline Management Plan document). H: Economic Appraisal and Sensitivity Presents the economic analysis undertaken in support of Testing the Preferred Plan. I: Strategic Environmental Presents an overview of the environmental assessment Assessment (SEA) Report process and shows how the requirements of the EU Council Directive 2001/42/EC (the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive) are met. J: Habitats Regulations Assessment Presents an assessment of the effect the plan will have on European sites. K: Water Framework Directive Presents the Water Framework Directive assessment of Assessment the potential hydromorphological changes and consequent ecological impact of the preferred SMP2 policies. L: Metadatabase and Bibliographic All supporting information used to develop the SMP2 is database referenced for future examination and retrieval.
1.4.2 CeTASS In addition to the SMP baseline reports, Cell Eleven Tidal and Sediment Transport Study (CETaSS) Phase 2 (ii) main report and appendices are available and provide coastal process information and understanding to improve the evidence base for selection of future flood and coastal erosion risk management policies in the SMP studies. Appendices include: • Regional and sub-tidal modelling;
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• Littoral sediment modelling; • Offshore banks; • Assessment of estuary dynamics; • Potential implications of future sea level rise for estuarine sediment budgets and morphology; • Modelling studies for the Ribble; • Modelling studies for the Duddon; • Morecambe Bay: morpho-sedimentary dynamics review; and • Coastal squeeze study.
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2 Changes in national guidance & legislation
Since the SMP2 was produced there have been a number of changes in national guidance with regard to: funding, consideration of climate change and consideration of flood and erosion risk. The Flood and Water Management Act was introduced in 2010 and made changes to how flood risk is managed in England. The Marine and Coast Access Act was introduced in 2009 and set out new powers to protect the marine zone. 2.1 Flood and Water Management Act 2010 Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees (RFCC) were established in 2011, replacing the former Regional Flood Defence Committees. The Strategy sits within the North West RFCC and Cumbria is one of five Strategic Flood Risk Partnership Groups in the North West River Basin District. All partnership groups are represented on the RFCC by Local Council Elected Members. There are also representatives from United Utilities and the North West England and North Wales Coastal Group (of Maritime District Councils). The North West RFCC have developed a future vision 2030 to stretch and guide the work of the Environment Agency, other Risk Management Authorities and partner organisations. The North West RFCC vision complements existing FCERM approaches and the work delivered by the six-year investment programme. This vision has 5 themes: conservation, sustainable land management, community resilience, integrated catchment planning, sustainable economic growth. How will we use this? Strategy development Development of the Strategy be guided by the vision presented in the North West RFCC plan.
2.2 Marine Plans (Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009) The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 established the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to produce marine plans, administer marine licensing and manage marine fisheries in English waters. It introduced marine planning in the UK through production of a marine policy statement and more detailed marine plans setting spatial policy at a more local level. These plans cover 20 years. There are eleven marine plan areas covering English waters. Two cover the Strategy area: North West inshore (Area 10) and North West offshore (Area 11). A single North West Marine Plan is currently being developed for the two areas (see Figure 2.1). This will include the marine area from Mean High Water Spring (MHWS) to the seaward limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and stretches from the Scottish border to the border with Wales. Initial engagement workshops were held in February and March 2017, with analysis of issues scheduled for Spring and Summer 2017. Options development is due to start in Autumn 2017. It is anticipated that the adoption and publication of the marine plans (and supporting documents) will be in 2020. Until the marine plan is adopted the current guidance states that the 2011 UK Marine Policy Statement should be used when making decision and proposals. This is available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69322/pb3654-marine- policy-statement-110316.pdf
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Figure 2.1: Marine Plan areas in England, taken from https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine- management-organisation
How will we use this? SEA and environmental appraisal of options Appraisal of options will take account of information as it becomes available and assess possible impacts of and on options.
2.3 Coastal access (Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009) The coastal access provisions in Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 introduced a new right of public access to the English coast so that people can walk along the length of the coast and have a right of access to other coastal land for outdoor recreation. There are five stretches of England Coast Path along the strategy frontage, see Figure 2.2; their status as of June 2017 are as follows: 1. Gretna to Allonby: Proposals published but not yet determined; 2. Allonby to Whitehaven: England Coast Path and associated access rights now open; 3. Whitehaven to Silecroft: Approved but not yet open, establishment works planned or in progress; 4. Silecroft to Silverdale: Proposals in development;
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5. Walney Island: Approved but not yet open, establishment works planned or in progress. GIS shapefiles defining the routes will be mapped and used in appraisals.
Figure 2.2 North West England Coast Path – status of stretches as of June 2017. Downloaded from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-coast-path-in-the-north-west-of-england
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How will we use this? Consideration of risk and opportunities The proposed and adopted routes will be incorporated into the consideration of risk and opportunities along the frontage. SEA and environmental appraisal of options The option appraisals will take full account of the proposed and adopted routes and assess potential impacts accordingly.
2.4 National flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England The national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England (2011) provides the overarching framework for future action by all RMAs to tackle flooding and coastal erosion risk in England. The overall aim of the strategy is to ensure the risk of flooding and coastal erosion is properly managed by using the full range of options in a co-ordinated way. Six guiding principles have been identified to help guide these decisions and the processes by which they are taken. These guiding principles are: 1. Community focus and partnership working; 2. A catchment and coastal “cell” based approach; 3. Sustainability; 4. Proportionate, risk-based approaches; 5. Multiple benefits; 6. Beneficiaries should be encouraged to invest in risk management. How will we use this? Strategy development Development of the Strategy will take due account of the National Strategy and associated Defra / Environment Agency guidance.
2.5 National Planning Policy Framework The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 27 March 2012 and sets out the government’s planning policies for England. It must be taken into account in the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans, and is a material consideration in planning decisions. Paragraphs 93 to 98 specifically refers to “Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change” and Paragraph 106 states that Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) should reduce risk from coastal change by avoiding inappropriate development in vulnerable areas or adding to the impacts of physical change to the coast, which can be delivered through Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMAs). How will we use this? Strategy development Development of the Strategy will take due account of the NPPF and the final Strategy will provide supporting evidence for the Local planning authorities’ future decisions.
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2.6 Biodiversity 2020 The most recent England biodiversity strategy, “Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England's wildlife and ecosystem services” was published by Defra in August 2011, following the publication of the Natural Environment White Paper (NEWP), and a progress update was provided in July 2013. The 2011 and 2013 update reports are available on line at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biodiversity-2020-a-strategy-for-england-s-wildlife-and- ecosystem-services The strategy sets out the strategic direction for biodiversity policy for the next decade on land and at sea. Biodiversity 2020 does not refer to BAP species or BAP habitats but instead refers to priority habitats and/or priority species. However, these priority habitats and species are derived from Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 as were the previous BAP lists, so the relevant habitats and species remain the same. A key difference from previous guidance is that Biodiversity 2020 does not contain any explicit individual habitat or species specific targets, referring instead to high level outcomes. Previous national species or habitat BAP targets are no longer recognised by Government and are no longer nationally reported against. How will we use this? Strategy development Development of the whole strategy will work within the framework set out by Biodiversity 2020, through ensuring the SEA is fully embedded within the Strategy process and ensuring that the potential impacts on priority habitats are fully considered in the choice of options and suitable mitigation measures are identified where necessary.
2.7 Partnership funding Since development of the SMP2 there have been significant changes in the way that government money is allocated to flood and coastal erosion risk management projects in England, with the introduction of Defra’s partnership funding policy in England in 2011. This means that the central Government will now only contribute some of the costs of a scheme or project, but more schemes will be considered. A key constraint on the policies set at Shoreline Management Plan stage was the definition of economic and socio-economic benefits on the basis that schemes to manage risks from coastal flooding and erosion would be fully funded by the government, but only if they were shown to be justified by the national economic benefits they provide and were affordable in the national programme. This meant that hold the line policy could only be implemented when it was considered economically viable, following treasury rules (using Treasury Green Book, the Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Appraisal Guidance (FCERM - AG) and Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) guidelines). Under these guidelines, the economic analysis focusses on national benefits including valuing existing land and properties but does not take into account wider economic aspects, such as future development benefits or local / regional tourism revenue. Under the new partnership funding rules, additional money needs to be contributed by others, which might be through using council funds or through encouraging investment from infrastructure providers, land owners and businesses. This approach also encourages greater involvement from the potential investors, which could include businesses and communities along the coast, with the wider benefits being used to justify implementation of works. This implies that policies that were previously rejected as being not economically viable, may now potentially be possible through private investment (subject to planning and environmental regulations).
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How will we use this? Economic appraisal The economic appraisal of options will follow the latest guidance on partnership funding including the partnership funding calculator to work out how much government funding a project may receive and the external contributions needed.
2.8 Economic analysis The Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Appraisal Guidance (FCERM-AG) remains the key guidance for undertaking economic appraisals. The Multi-Coloured Manual (MCM) is used in flood and erosion risk management to estimate the benefits of management interventions. As such it provides a ‘step by step’ guide and data for economic appraisals. The datasets and methods are regularly updated, with the latest versions available on-line (https://www.mcm-online.co.uk/), which are available to CH2M under licence. How will we use this? Economic appraisal The economic appraisal of options will follow FCERM-AG, the accompanying supplementary guidance notes and the latest versions of the Multi-Coloured Manual 2013 (MCM, 2013) and Handbook (MCH, 2017).
2.9 Climate change data and guidance The coastal process assessment and predictions of future coastal evolution for the Shoreline Management Plans was undertaken prior to the release of the latest UKCP09 predictions. The SMP therefore used information contained within the UKCP08 (2007) reports. 2006 Defra allowances for sea level rise were used, which was the latest guidance available, although 2005 UKCIP data was also referred to. The most recent advice on how future climate change should been considered in projects or strategies seeking Government Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Grant in Aid (FCERM GiA) is provided in the EA 2016 report: ‘Adapting to Climate Change: Advice for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Authorities’. This advice is an update to the 2011 version of ‘Adapting to Climate Change: Advice to Flood & Coastal Risk Management Authorities’. This guidance advises on the climate change allowances that should be considered for extreme rainfall, river flood flows, sea level rise and storm surges. These allowances are based on the latest available UK Climate Projection (UKCP09) data or research using UKCP09 data. Defra has since commissioned the Met Office Hadley Centre to produce an updated set of UK Climate Projections (UKCP18) in 2018. The UKCP18 project will update the UKCP09 projections over UK land areas and update UKCP09 projections of sea-level rise. Until the new projections are available the UK Climate Projections released in 2009 remain the official source of information on how the climate of the UK may change over the rest of this century. Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the Committee on Climate Change was established as an independent statutory body, including the Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change specifically to provide advice on climate change risks and opportunities and to report regularly on UK progress on adaptation. The first report by this sub-committee. ‘UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2012’ was produced in 2012, which has since been updated by the latest report produced in January 2017. The second National Adaptation Programme will respond to the risks set out the 2017 UK Climate Change Risk Assessment and is due to be published in 2018.
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How will we use this? Coastal process understanding SMP did not specifically use the values of sea level projections, therefore a simple uplift of erosion rates is not possible, however the predictions did take account of future changes e.g. in sediment feed from cliffs. The Environment Agency’s National data sets will be used to appraise present day and future erosion and flood and differences from the SMP2 will be considered when reviewing information. The implications of any significant impacts to the developing strategy of the UKCP18 guidance will need to be considered by the Project Review when UKCP18 is published. Technical appraisal of options The sensitivity of options to future climate change will be considered, based on the information from the latest UKCP projections and Environment Agency Guidance. Environmental appraisal of options The sensitivity of options to future climate change will be considered, based on the information from the latest UKCP projections and information contained within the National Adaptation Programme reports.
2.10 Catchment based approach to flood management The Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) was introduced nationally in 2013 by Government to encourage organisations and communities to work together, in catchment partnerships, to help identify, understand and tackle the pressures that are impacting on our water environment. The following catchment partnerships exist within the Strategy area: Catchment Partnership name Host Derwent Catchment West Cumbria Catchment West Cumbria Rivers Trust Partnership Kent & Leven Catchments Kent & Leven Catchment Partnership South Cumbria Rivers Trust The South West Lakes Catchment South West Lakes Catchment West Cumbria Rivers Trust & (Eden & Calder, and Irt, Esk, Mite Partnership South Cumbria Rivers Trust & Annas catchments) Wampool & Waver Catchment Waver Wampool Catchment West Cumbria Rivers Trust Partnership
Catchment plans are being developed, with data available from the Catchment-Based Approach Open Data website: http://caba-theriverstrust.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets). Following the extreme floods in Winter 2015, the Cumbria Flood Partnership was established, with the Cumbria Action Plan published in June 2016. This provides an overview of on-going work, new actions, information and evidence gathered since December 2015 and covers the Eden, Derwent and Kent and Leven catchments. How will we use this? SEA and environmental appraisal of options Relevant information from these plans will inform the Environmental Report and appraisal of options.
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3 National data sets 3.1 Flood risk 3.1.1 Environment Agency Flood Mapping The SMP2 flood risk assessments were based upon the current Environment Agency Flood Mapping, dated 2008; these have been superseded by more recent national assessments of flooding and erosion led by the Environment Agency (EA). The Environment Agency has provided the latest flood risk mapping for use on the project and includes flood extents for various ‘return period’ events. The Flood Zone 3 (FZ3) data includes mapping of the area with 1 in 200 or greater chance each year (0.5% annual probability of occurrence) coastal/tidal flood risk. FZ3 also captures the 1 in 100 year (1% annual probability) fluvial flood risk areas. Flood Zone 2 (FZ2) maps the land having between a 1 in 200 and 1 in 1,000 annual probability of sea flooding. 3.1.2 Catchment flood management plans Catchment flood management plans (CFMPs) consider all types of inland flooding, from rivers, groundwater, surface water and tidal flooding. CFMPs give an overview of the flood risk in each catchment and sets out the preferred plan for sustainable flood risk management over the next 50 to 100 years. The following plans have been produced, that cover the Strategy area: • Derwent CFMP (includes four significant river systems: Derwent, Ellen, Wampool and Waver) – December 2009 • Kent and Leven – December 2009 • Lune – December 2009 These are available on-line from: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/catchment-flood- management-plans Evidence and proposals set out in these CFMPs has been used to develop FRMPs (see below). The future need for Catchment Flood Management Plans (CFMPs) as the strategic plan for river and estuary flooding was due for review in 2016, but a decision is still awaited. 3.1.3 Flood Risk Management Plans Under the 2009 Flood Risk Regulations, certain Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) had a legal duty to prepare flood risk management plans (FRMPs). FRMPs set out how risk management authorities will work with communities to manage flood and coastal risk over the period 2015-2021. Each FRMP covers a specific river basin district and each river basin district also has a river basin management plan. The strategy area is covered by the North West river basin district and more specifically the north of the river basin district. The FRMP was completed in March 2016. The next update is due by 2021. The FRMP provides a full description of each catchment, including the factors affecting flood risk and statistics for the river basin district, and sets objectives and measures (actions). All relevant action from the CFMP and SMP2 have been brought together by the FRMPs. Data is available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/north-west-river-basin-district-flood-risk-management-plan
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How will we use this? Assessment of risk and opportunities This information will be used to update the understanding of risk Economic appraisal of options For options being considered, economic appraisal will be compared to a baseline scenario of no active intervention. The risk areas will be based upon the extent of the 1:1000 year coastal flood plain using the latest Environment Agency Flood Mapping. Technical appraisal of options This data will be used when considering the technical viability and suitability of options.
3.2 Erosion risk The EA’s National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping (NCERM) project provides a comprehensive analysis and mapping of potential future coastal erosion around England and Wales. Instead of showing erosion rates, this data set provides the erosion zone we expect over three timescales - from 2010 (when this data was developed) up to about 2030, up to about 2060 and up to about 2110. It is shown as a range (e.g. ‘0.5 - 3.2 metres’) that represents the upper and lower limits of the erosion we should reasonably expect to that time. This data set is available to download under Open Government Licence from data.gov.uk. Local studies of erosion risk have been undertaken as part of other projects (see Section 5), and where appropriate these data will be used to inform the options appraisals. 3.3 Economic datasets 3.3.1 Property data The Environment Agency’s National Receptor Dataset (NRD) was originally produced in 2011 last updated 2016. It is a collection of risk receptors primarily intended for use in flood and coastal erosion risk management. NRD is a spatial dataset which contains a number of GIS layers categorised into themes of information including; buildings, environment, heritage, transport and utilities. The NRD includes property points that are Copy Derived from OSMM AddressLayer2 with information on property type, floor area and Flood Hazard Research Centre’s Multi-Coloured Manual codes attributed. More recent data on commercial and residential properties is available from the Ordnance Survey database AddressBasePlus, which is updated annually, but this is not as comprehensive as the NRD. Neither datasets contain information on property values. Both datasets are currently held by CH2M, subject to licence restrictions. Land Registry Data, available online at http://landregistry.data.gov.uk, provides up to date sold residential property prices. These can be converted to present day prices (September 2016) using the Housing Price Index (available online at http://landregistry.data.gov.uk). These values can then be attributed to individual properties within the AddressBasePlus database or NRD. Where data is not available for a property, a value can be derived by averaging by postcode and property type (e.g., detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat). There is no similar database for non-residential properties. However, in accordance with guidance in the MCM estimated national economic values for non-residential properties can be derived from regional rateable value data and property floor area data available in the NRD. Market values can be estimated from the rateable value published by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) data and available from https://data.gov.uk/publisher/valuation-office-agency. The VOA generally reassesses all rateable values in England and Wales every five years, based on their open market rental value on a fixed date; the last revaluation was carried out in 2010 and the 2017 revaluation will be based on rental values on 1 April 2015.
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3.3.2 Deprivation values When applying the partnership funding calculator, Outcome Measure 2 Households at flood risk and Outcome Measure 3 Households at erosion risk, which are used in the calculation of economic benefits, takes account of households in the 20% most deprived areas. The data is obtained from the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), which is the official measure of relative deprivation for small areas in England and ranks every small area in England from 1 (most deprived area) to 32,844 (least deprived area). The latest update dates from 2015 and all of the data files and supporting documents are available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-indices-of-deprivation-2015 and can be downloaded by postcodes using the tool: http://imd-by-postcode.opendatacommunities.org. The Indices of Deprivation are typically updated every 3 to 4 years, but the dates of publication for future Indices have not yet been scheduled. How will we use this? Assessment of risk and opportunities Property data will be used to update the understanding of assets at risk, in combination with the erosion and flood risk datasets (see above). Economic appraisal of options For options being considered, economic appraisal will be compared to a baseline scenario of no active intervention, which will be used to define benefits at risk. Benefits will be based on valuing assets at risk under this scenario.
3.4 Environmental conservation sites The Strategy will be accompanied by a Strategy Environmental Assessment (SEA) report. In undertaking the SEA, and for identification of risks and opportunities and developing and appraising options, the latest data on statutory and non-statutory designated sites (both marine and coastal) along the Strategy frontage will be obtained from the MAGIC website. An update of the interactive map is carried out once a month, although not all datasets are updated: a record of updates is available from http://www.magic.gov.uk/News_Dataset.htm. The following sections identify key changes in designations since the SMP. 3.4.1 International Sites There are two new Natura 2000/European sites, which will require “Habitats Regulations” assessments under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended): (a) Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) (b) Solway Firth potential Special Protection Area (pSPA) Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary SPA This new combined site subsumes two individual sites – Morecambe Bay SPA (UK9005081) and Duddon Estuary SPA (UK9005031) - and is also extended as of 7th February 2017. It adds additional marine areas including part of the West Cumbria coast and the Ravenglass Estuary. The new SPA supersedes the previous SPA designations. A published draft conservation advice package for this designated site is anticipated by early 2018. Solway Firth pSPA The Solway Firth pSPA is a proposed marine extension and renaming of the existing Upper Solway Flats and Marshes SPA. This is a cross-border site which completed its formal public consultation stage in January 2017.
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As a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA) it is treated as a fully designated European site subject to protection under the EU Habitats Directive. How will we use this? Assessment of risk and opportunities All scoped-in designated sites will be taken into account when defining risk and opportunities within the Strategy area. SEA and environmental appraisal of options This information will be used to update the Environmental Report and appraisal of options on these designated sites will be considered as part of the environmental appraisal of the options. Although the Solway Firth pSPA is not yet designated, it is intended that option appraisal will take into account potential impacts on this area.
3.4.2 Marine Environmental Marine Strategy Framework Directive Since the SMP2, the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive has been introduced; this was adopted in June 2008 but guidance on how to implement it in the UK was only completed in December 2015. The Marine Directive aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU's marine waters by 2020 and to protect the resource base upon which marine-related economic and social activities depend. The UK’s Marine strategy part one, which includes an initial assessment of the state of UK seas, was published in December 2012. Part two of the strategy, which sets out progress will be monitored was published in August 2014, whilst the final part of the strategy, Part three, was published in December 2015 and outlines the measures that contribute to the achievement and maintenance of Good Environmental Status (GES) in UK seas by 2020. There is some overlap between the waters covered by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) River Basin Management Plan Water Bodies and the MSFD. The WFD relates to surface waters throughout a river basin catchment from rivers, lakes and groundwaters through to transitional and coastal waters to 1 nautical mile out to sea and overlaps with the MSFD in coastal waters. Due to these overlaps, in coastal waters the MSFD is only intended to apply to those aspects of GES which are not already covered by the WFD (e.g. noise, litter, most commercial fish species and aspects of biodiversity). The UK’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) (comprising Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), sites designated under the Ramsar Convention and domestic Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)), together with the aims of the Habitats and Birds Directives, play a significant role in supporting the achievement of a number of the GES characteristics and targets set out by the MSFD. How will we use this? SEA The need to considered and appraise impacts on MSFD will be considered at the Scoping Stage of the SEA.
Marine Conservation Zones The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 was put into place in November 2009 and provides the legal mechanism to put into place a new system for improved management and protection of the marine and coastal environment. Powers in the Marine Act enable the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the territorial waters adjacent to England and Wales and UK offshore waters. Assessment requirements are set out under Section 125 and 126 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
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Three new MCZs have been designated in the Strategy area since SMP2 (Figure 3.1), which will need to be considered by the Strategy: • Cumbria Coast MCZ, designated November 2013 • Allonby Bay MCZ, designated January 2016 • West of Walney MCZ, designated January 2016 A further potential Marine Conservation Zone in the upper Solway which is under consideration in order to protect ‘smelt’ (a migratory fish species). These zones form part of the network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which incorporates offshore Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Offshore Nature Conservation MPAs (NCMPAs), Offshore Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Harbour Porpoise Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The full conservation advice packages for Allonby Bay MCZ and West of Walney MCZ are not currently available but are scheduled for production later this year.
Allonby Bay MCZ
Cumbria Coast MCZ
West of Walney MCZ
Figure 3.1: Location of Marine Conservation Zones. Source: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5201&LAYERS=UKCS,MCZ
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How will we use this? SEA and environmental appraisal of options This information will be used to update the Environmental Report and appraisal of options on these designated sites will be considered as part of the environmental appraisal of the options. Assessments will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements set out in the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Although the potential Marine Conservation Zone in the upper Solway is not yet designated, it is intended that option appraisal will take into account potential impacts on this area.
3.4.3 National Character Area (NCAs) Natural England revised and updated National Character Area profiles, with completion in 2014. Three NCAs cover the Strategy Area: • 6 Solway Basin NCA • 7 West Cumbria Coastal Plain NCA • 20 Morecambe Bay Limestones NCA NCA profiles area available to download from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-character-area-profiles-data-for-local-decision- making Each profile provides information on: • Landscape features and key characteristics • Links to other National Character Areas (taking an ecosystems approach) • Current activity and ecosystem services • Key data and the sources for these data • Evidence of landscape change • Analysis of ecosystems and landscape • Statements of Environment Opportunity. How will we use this? SEA and environmental appraisal of options This information will be used to update the Environmental Report and appraisal of options. NCAs provide both a strong environmental evidence base and a summary of integrated, sustainable opportunities for the future management of an area.
3.4.4 Water Bodies The Water Framework Directive (WFD) appraisal within the SMP was based upon data contained on the Environmental Agency website and relate to the first river basin management plans (RBMPs) published in 2009. In 2015 these plans were reviewed and updated and a number of water bodies were reclassified. These data sets are available on-line via: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/. The next update is not due until 2021. There were originally three major coastal water bodies within the Strategy area: Morecambe Bay and Duddon Sands, Cumbria and Solway Outer South. The Morecambe Bay and Duddon Sands coastal water body (ID GB641211170000) was originally designated as a Heavily Modified Water Body (HMWB) for fin
20 BASELINE INFORMATION REPORT fisheries and shell fisheries. In the 2015 River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) updates, this water body was split into two separate coastal water bodies, namely Morecambe Bay (ID GB641211171000) and Duddon Sands (ID GB641211172000), both of which remain HMWB. Cumbria coastal water body (ID GB641211630002) was originally not designated artificial or heavily modified, and this remains unchanged in the 2015 update. Similarly, Solway Outer South was originally not designated artificial or heavily modified, and this remains unchanged in the 2015 update. There are also four small coastal water bodies – Cavendish Dock, Hodbarrow Lagoon (both artificial water bodies), Allonby Bay and Haws Bank Lagoons. The transitional water bodies in the Strategy area were originally defined as: Kent, Leven, Duddon, Esk (W), Pow/Rottington, Derwent, Maryport, and Solway. These remain unchanged, apart from Pow/Rottington which is now named Pow Beck. Of these the Derwent, Kent and Maryport are defined by the 2015 update as heavily modified, which is unchanged since 2009. Spatial data will be obtained from the Environment Agency. How will we use this? SEA, WFD and environmental appraisal of options The new data will be used to update information currently included in SMP2 and new options assessments undertaken will take account of the new designations. Option development and appraisal Development of options will take account of the potential impacts with respect to the WFD.
3.4.5 Heritage data National Heritage List for England (NHLE) A number of spatial data sets are available for free download from Historic England, via the MAGIC website; the latest data will be downloaded at Scoping Stage of the SEA, namely: • Listed buildings (points) • Scheduled monuments (polygons) • Protected wreck sites (polygons) • Registered parks and gardens (polygons) • Registered battlefields (polygons) • World Heritage Sites (polygons) • Buildings with Building Preservation Notices (BPNs) (points) • Buildings with a Certificate of Immunity (COI) (points) Historic Environment Record (HER) data The Historic Environment Record (HER) is a series of linked computer databases that hold information on known archaeological sites, finds, landscapes, buildings and other aspects of the historic environment. In addition, it contains information on past research and investigations. Although a simplified version of the Historic Environment Record is available to search online, this does not provide detailed descriptions. These data sets are also regularly updated. Therefore, data will be requested from Cumbria Historic Environment Service at the Scoping Stage of the SEA. The data will be mapped (unless it is defined as confidential) and used in options appraisal. World Heritage Sites The Lake District was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in early July 2017.
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The existing 2015 plan for managing the National Park is also the plan for managing the Lake District as a WHS (see Section 5.15.5). Much of the northern part of the Cumbrian coastline also falls within the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site (WHS). Mapping is available free of charge from the MAGIC website. Conservation areas and local listed buildings Planning Authorities are required to decide whether parts of their areas are of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. They can then designate these areas as conservation areas. Councils have policies with regard to development in Conservation Areas which are set out in the Local Plans. This data will be requested from the local authorities. Information on buildings and sites that are locally listed will also be requested from the local authorities. Whilst local listing provides no additional planning controls, the fact that a building or site is on a local list means that its conservation as a heritage asset is an objective of the NPPF and therefore may need be considered. How will we use this? Assessment of risk and opportunities NHLE, HER data, WHS and locally listed sites and conservation areas will be taken into account when defining risk and opportunities within the Strategy area. This will build upon information already included in SMP2. SEA and environmental appraisal of options This information will be used to update the Environmental Report and appraisal of options on these sites will be considered as part of the environmental appraisal of the options.
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4 Regional and local data sets 4.1 Northwest Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme Coastal monitoring across England is conducted by an integrated network of six regional coastal monitoring programmes, on behalf of the Coastal Groups of England. The Strategy is covered by the Northwest Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme, which has been in operation since 2008 and is managed by Sefton Council on behalf of the North West and North Wales Coastal Groups and funded by The Environment Agency, in partnership with the maritime Local Authorities. 4.1.1 Data As part of the NW Regional Monitoring Programme, the following data are collected and made available on-line from the Channel Coastal Observatory (CCO) website (https://www.channelcoast.org/) (most has already been obtained through CH2M involvement in the Northwest Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme): Beach profile data This is collected biannually, data generally available from 2008 Bathymetry Extended beach profile data are available for 2010 and 2012 only 2004 Bathymetric data available for Allerdale – Solway Estuary Tides and waves Wave data from a Directional Waverider Buoy deployed in Morecambe Bay is from 2011. LiDAR LiDAR data has been recorded for the Copeland frontage during 2013 Photographs CERMS series of photographs for Cells 11c, 11d and 11e (for autumn and spring) Historical aerial photographs between 1965 and 1988 available for various locations. More recent aerial images from 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2016 are also available with full coverage of the study area. Oblique aerial photographs are available for 2009 (inside Morecambe Bay, River Duddon and Barrow), 2012 (for Walney to Cartmel, River Duddon and Cumbria) and 2016. For South Lakeland oblique photographs were collected in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2015
4.1.2 Local monitoring reports and management area summaries: These include the following information: • Recorded tide level data; • Remote sensing surveys where available, including LiDAR and Aerial photographs; • Beach Plan and Profile Surveys • Coastal defence asset inspections A management area summary is produced for each area, which summarises key findings from the analysis of contemporary data, updates the appraisal of risk and identifies future management actions.
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The following reports are available: Allerdale Borough Council 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016 (Data report compilation). and Carlisle City Council Management areas summaries available for 2013 and 2015 only. Barrow Borough Council 2009, 2010, and 2014, 2015 and 2016 (only data collection description). Missing data analysis and correlation to the SMP and management area summaries. Copeland Borough Council 2011, 2013, 2014 (description and data collection), and 2015 (full description + coastal processes) Specific management summaries are also available. South Lakeland District only Data Collection Reports are available for this council for 2014, 2015 Council and 2016. Missing annual monitoring reports and management area summaries.
Data needs to be requested from Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council.
4.1.3 Regional Sediment Analysis and Reporting 2015 This presents the results and interpretation of particle size analyses carried out on over 2200 samples of sediment collected during 2014- 2015 from intertidal locations around the shoreline of SMP area 22 (Cell 11) between Llanfairfechan on the North Wales coast and the English/Scottish border in the inner Solway Firth. In order to identify differences and any trends in behaviour of sediments the results of the current survey have been compared with the results from a similar exercise carried out in 2009-10. The findings of the study are also reconciled with monitoring data to explain observed changes. Key conclusions from the report are: • Generally, the stormy winter of 2013-14 does not appear to have had a major effect on the intertidal sediment characteristics apart from a degree of mixing in some locations. • Overall, the changes identified do not fundamentally alter the existing conceptual understanding of behaviour, or affect the preferred policies identified in the SMP. 4.1.4 North West Estuaries Processes Reports, 2013 Following on from SMP2, as part of CERMS Regional Monitoring Framework, Sefton Council commissioned a review of the current status of coastal process knowledge and monitoring requirements for the nine estuaries of North West England in order to inform future monitoring and coastal and estuary process studies. In 2013, separate reports were produced for the following estuaries Dee, Mersey, Ribble, Wyre, Lune, Kent, Leven, Duddon and the Ravenglass Estuary complex (the final four are relevant to this Strategy), together with an overview report. These reports reviewed the baseline coastal process understanding of the estuaries as produced by SMP2, together with more recent studies. As well as reviewing the existing risk ratings under the CERMS regional monitoring strategy, the conceptual understanding diagrams for each estuary, originally developed for the SMP2, have also been reviewed and updated.
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4.1.5 Cell 11 Regional Monitoring Strategy (CERMS) 2010 Monitoring Update Report, 2012 This report provides an update of the baseline summary for the Cell Eleven Regional Monitoring Strategy (CERMS) based on the monitoring carried out in 2010. An updated regional (Cell 11) conceptual understanding of coastal processes and shoreline management issues was produced, together with more detailed conceptual understanding of sediment transport and shoreline change for each of the five sub- cells using diagrams and summary tables. Further updates of this report are now being undertaken as part of the local monitoring reports discussed above. How will we use this? Coastal processes It is intended that the monitoring reports, produced as part of the North West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme will form the primary information for the Strategy appraisals. Assessment of risk and opportunities Data from the North West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme will be taken into account when defining risk and opportunities within the Strategy area. This will build upon information already included in SMP2.
4.2 Coastal defence data 4.2.1 NFCDD / AIMS data Coastal Defence spatial data is available in shapefiles and spreadsheet formats, and provides full coverage of the Cumbrian coast up to 2010. Shapefile data • asset type Spreadsheet data • Asset reference and type (including if man-made or natural) • asset description • target and overall condition • NFCDD ID • dates of last and next inspections • reference number • element data (including type, sub- • maintainer type, material and condition) • location • comments • recommendations
More recent data inspections (up to 2015) are available only for Allerdale and Copeland Borough Councils. Conditions of defences data in a spreadsheet format are missing for Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council for defence inspections between 2010 and 2015. If 2016 inspection data is already available, it needs to be requested for all the councils. AIMS Coastal Asset data from 2015 includes date of last inspection, target condition and current condition, per asset reference and asset type.
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4.2.2 Coastal Defence Inspection Surveys As part of the Northwest Regional Monitoring Programme (see above) coastal defence inspections are undertaken to monitor the condition of coastal defences annually, identify any defects and prioritise maintenance expenditure on defences. The annual monitoring reports described in Section 4.1.2 include a summary of defence conditions for each specific area of the defences. Specific annual coastal inspection reports provide a very detailed description of inspection records for each asset and location, including photographs and structure cross-sections. The following reports are available: Allerdale Borough Council and 2014, 2015 and 2016 (detailed defence inspections) + data Carlisle City Council spreadsheets. Barrow Borough Council Missing reports of defence inspections and spreadsheets. Copeland Borough Council 2013, 2014 and 2015 (detailed defence inspections) + data spreadsheets South Lakeland District Council Missing reports of defence inspections and spreadsheets.
Data needs to be requested from Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council to confirm if there is any more recent information available. 4.2.3 Third party reports Reports assessing specific stretches of the defences are also available and cover different sections of the Coastal Strategy area, as follows: • B5300 Coastal defence appraisal: assess future management options of the B5300 road between Maryport and Silloth (Allerdale Borough Council); • Roa Island Shorelink: appraisal to confirm or modify the existing SMP policies between Roa Island and Rampside (Barrow Borough Council); • Greenodd Photosurvey: assessment to identify erosion processes and implications to the defences to the A590 in the vicinity of Greenodd (Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council); • Whitehaven Harbour and South Beach assessment: includes cross-sections of the structures and photographs; • Series of reports for Sea Mill Coast protection options, and St Bees and Dubmill groynes appraisal. Each of these projects is described in detail in Section 5. How will we use this? Defence assessments It is intended that the defence inspection reports, produced as part of the North West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme will form the primary information for the Strategy appraisals – this will be used in combination with the spatial mapping data. Assessment of risk and opportunities Data from the North West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme will be taken into account when defining risk and opportunities within the Strategy area. This will update the information (and therefore assumptions) already included in SMP2.
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4.3 Asset data sets 4.3.1 Key data The latest available spatial data relating to key economic assets located in the coastal risk area will be obtained from the relevant sources. The key data is identified below: Data Description Source Key Important infrastructure, for example Environment Agency's National Infrastructure schools, electricity sub-stations and Receptors Database (NRD), hospitals. Major Roads Motorways, A and B roads as defined in the Spatial data provided by Cumbria Ordnance Survey Meridian product County Council Minor Roads Other minor roads as defined in the Ordnance Survey Meridian product Ordnance Survey Meridian product (supplied under licence to CH2M) Railway Lines Railway routes Spatial data provided by Cumbria County Council Agricultural land Agricultural land classifications Available from MAGIC website Landfill Sites Authorised and historic landfill site locations. Available from data.gov.uk Source Environment Agency's Groundwater Source Available from data.gov.uk Protection Protection Zones showing the risk of Zones contamination from any activities that might cause pollution in the area Moorside Shapefile indicating the connections for Spatial data provided by Cumbria proposals Moorside (including shapefile for the County Council location of Moorside) National Trust Boundaries of National Trust sites To be requested from National Trust RSPB Reserves Reserve boundaries and other land holdings To be requested from RSPB MoD holdings Boundaries of MoD site at Eskmeals Range To be requested from MoD/ Qinetiq Property data Locations and classification data on Available from EA’s NRD data, see residential and non-residential properties. 3.3.1 Water company Water treatment works, outfalls, storage To be requested from United Utilities assets and other assets near the coast Agricultural land Defra agricultural land classification data To be obtained from MAGIC
4.3.2 Network Rail It is understood that Network Rail are to produce asset management: these are to be requested from Network Rail. 4.4 Local Conservation Sites 4.4.1 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) In Cumbria non-statutory wildlife sites of at least county importance are referred to as County Wildlife Sites (CWS) (these incorporates sites also known elsewhere as Local Wildlife Sites, Sites of Biological Importance
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(SBI), Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Biological Heritage Sites, Sites of Nature Conservation Value). Cumbria Wildlife Trust manages Cumbria’s CWS system on behalf of the Cumbria Local Sites Partnership. Cumbria Strategic Partnership has chosen to include the new National Indicator 197 (Improved Local Biodiversity – proportion of Local Sites where positive conservation management has been or is being implemented) as one of the indicators within Cumbria’s 2008-2011 Local Area Agreement. Local Sites include both County Wildlife Sites and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) (see below). Following this adoption of N197 by the county, Cumbria Local Sites Partnership has been established to steer the management of the Local Sites System and ensure the indicator targets are achieved. The partnership membership includes Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Cumbria County Council, Lake District National Park Authorities, District Councils, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, and The National Trust. Site information will need to be obtained from Tullie House Museum in its role as the Cumbria Local Record Centre. 4.4.2 Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside statutorily protected land such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Sites are selected under locally-developed criteria, according to their value for education, scientific study, historical significance or aesthetic qualities. Whilst not benefiting from statutory protection, RIGS are equivalent to local Wildlife Sites. Cumbria GeoConservation Group is a voluntary geological conservation group working to record and look after important geological sites. In Scotland, RIGS may be described as Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS). Data will need to be obtained from Cumbria GeoConservation Group.
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5 Coastal strategies, studies and proposals
A number of studies have been undertaken since the SMP2 was produced, the key ones are summarised below: 5.1 Moorside Project, ongoing The Moorside Project comprises the proposed Moorside new nuclear power station (‘Moorside Power Station’) and Moorside Project Railway. The Moorside Power Station is planned to be located to the west and north of the existing Sellafield Site in Cumbria (the 'Moorside Site’). There is potential for modification to existing patterns of sediment transport and related changes in coastal morphology as a consequence of the construction of a Beach Landing Facility (BLF), Marine OffLoading Facility (MOLF) and Circulating Water System (CWS) infrastructure. The MOLF includes a jetty, two breakwaters and related localised dredging. In line with EIA requirements, NuGen prepared a ‘Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) (May 2016), which includes a section on marine and coastal physical processes (Chapter 15). In addition to considering existing data from the Northwest Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme; data collected to inform past and ongoing operations at the Sellafield Site; and modelling outputs from the Cell Eleven tide and sediment study (CETaSS), supplementary surveys were undertaken to address EIA requirements at a local level. These surveys involved: • Oceanographic survey to inform understanding of the hydrodynamic conditions driving sediment transport, including water levels, currents, waves, and suspended sediment concentrations. • Bathymetric and geophysical survey: multibeam Echo Sounding (MBES), side-scan and seismic survey • Inter-tidal and sub-tidal survey: Particle Size Analysis of mapped beach/seabed sediments to inform modelling of potential changes to sediment transport. The PEIR identifies the probability of impact, magnitude of change and significant of effect for a number of receptors. The report notes, however that these judgements may be revised within the ES (scheduled to be submitted as part of the application for a DCO for the Moorside Project in 2017, but may be potentially delayed due to changes in ownership within NuGen). How will we use this? Coastal processes The new data can be used to update understanding of coastal processes and shoreline characteristics at a local level. Option development and appraisal Development of options will take account of the potential future works and include relevant information from the studies on environmental impacts.
5.2 North West Coast Connections Project, ongoing The North West Coast Connections (NWCC) project led by National Grid to connect and export the electricity generated by Moorside, the new nuclear power station proposed for near Sellafield in West Cumbria. http://www.northwestcoastconnections.com/ The proposed works are mostly on land but include a tunnel beneath Morecambe Bay with a permanent ventilation and emergency exit islet in the centre of Morecambe Bay, which has the potential for direct effects on Marine Physical Processes and water and sediment quality.
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As part of the project environmental assessments have been undertaken, including a chapter on marine physical processes (Volume 2.5 South Route Assessment, Chapter 19). Much of the information included in the assessment has been taken from the CETaSS Phase 2 Appendix A. Additional studies undertaken for the project included: a project-specific bathymetric/geophysical survey carried out in the vicinity of the proposed islet, analysis of available LiDAR and bathymetric data from outer Morecambe Bay, collection of project-specific geophysical and geotechnical survey data. The study appraised potential impacts of the exit islet on: • Changes to the tidal regime (e.g. increases or decreases in flow speeds and directions) causing inter-tidal and/or sub-tidal morphological change; and • Changes to the wave regime (e.g. wave heights, periods and directions) causing inter-tidal and/or sub-tidal morphological change. How will we use this? Coastal processes The new data can be used to update understanding of coastal processes and shoreline characteristics at a local level. Option development and appraisal Development of options will take account of the potential future works and include relevant information from the studies on environmental impacts.
5.3 West Cumbria Mining (WCM), ongoing In 2017, WCM submitted a Planning Application to Cumbria County Council seeking approval to build an underground coal mine, Woodhouse Colliery, to the north of St Bees Head (see Figure 2). A decision is anticipated in Winter 2017. West Cumbria Mining are proposing to utilise part of the former Marchon works site to locate the mine head, coal processing plant and associated equipment and offices. Coking coal would be removed from site via an underground conveyor link to the railway line to the east of the site. The main components of the proposed development are: the mine surface site, drifts, ventilation shaft and mine; and conveyor and rail loading facility. The application included an Environmental Statement (ES) (currently not available for the Strategy). Prior to this a Scoping Report was produced which identified key issues. How will we use this? SEA Any additional information will be incorporated into the Environmental Report. Option development and appraisal Development of options will take account of the works and include relevant information from the studies on environmental impacts.
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Figure 5.1: Location of proposed WCM mine development. Source: http://www.westcumbriamining.com 5.4 Ulverston Bypass, ongoing This is a project identified in the Cumbria LEP / Cumbria CC / HE “West of M6 Strategic Connectivity Study”. A Strategic Outline Business Case is under preparation for this project. Currently there are no proposed route options in the public domain. How will we use this? Assessment of risk and opportunities Once available, this information will be used to update the understanding of assets at risk, in combination with the erosion and flood risk datasets (see above). Economic appraisal of options For options being considered, economic appraisal will be compared to a baseline scenario of no active intervention, which will be used to define benefits at risk.
5.5 Whitehaven South Beach Appraisal, 2016 AECOM were commissioned by Copeland Borough Council (CBC) to investigate the documented erosion of South Beach, adjacent to the West Pier of Whitehaven Harbour in Whitehaven, undertake an appraisal of potential management options and in collaboration with CBC recommend a potential way forward. This report includes derivation of the ‘natural coastline’, i.e. prior to the deposition of mining spoil as well as an appraisal of historical and contemporary erosion trends, which updates information in SMP2. This data has been used to predict future erosion rates. A more detailed appraisal of the consequence of no active intervention has also been undertaken. A number of options are considered, including estimated costs and benefits, and each option has been appraised in terms of technical feasibility, economic appraisal, partnership funding potential and environmental implications. The resultant preferred option is to maintain the existing West Pier structure. Appendix J presents the proposed outline design.
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How will we use this? Consideration of risk and opportunities The latest review of past and future erosion will be used in the derivation of risk. Option appraisal The options presented in the report will be incorporated within the options development and appraisals.
5.6 B5300 Coastal Defence Appraisal, 2015
Capita produced a report in 2015 considering options for the future management of the B5300 road between Maryport and Silloth, with particular focus on the key areas of erosion at Crosscanonby, Dubmill Point and Beckfoot. This study includes an assessment of local coastal erosion rates, both historical and contemporary, defence inspection, environmental baseline, and options appraisal against technical, environmental, economic and social criteria. The conclusion of the study was that for all three locations the preferred option is for the road to be moved inland at an appropriate time as it becomes at direct risk of erosion. The timing is based on the assessment of erosion rates undertaken for the study and may necessitate the construction of further defences as an interim measure to protect the road until the inland route has been constructed. The study also concludes that due to the uncertainty regarding future erosion rates during storms, it would be prudent to construct the additional defences as early as possible, to reduce the risk of damage occurring to the B5300 in the interim. 5.7 A590 Greenodd Embankment, ongoing An investigation of the erosion processes present along the embankment to the A590 in the vicinity of the village of Greenodd was carried out in 2007-08. The study considered water levels, which were identified to be partially tidal, currents and waves. It was determined that erosion was being caused by river currents and wave attack at the bottom and middle of the embankment respectively. At the time, recommendations were made for further works and ultimately the construction of some form of protection. Geotechnical Design Report, 2015 This report details construction details of proposed works along Greenodd Embankment and recommendations. Photosurvey, 2015 The report records the state of the frontage in 2013 and includes comparisons with an earlier survey in 2008. It is understood that the site is presently being regularly monitored and it is planned to implement the proposed £2 million revetment scheme in 2020/21. How will we use this? Coastal defences Coastal defence information may need to be updated if a scheme is undertaken. Development of options The proposed works will be taken into consideration when developing options.
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5.8 Dubmill Point timber groynes and sea wall – various reports, 2015 These reports report on proposed maintenance works to repair the timber groynes and sea wall at Dubmill Point, near Allonby. Available reports include: • EIA screening report and Scoping Opinion statement • maps and cross-sections of the structures • method statement How will we use this? SEA Any additional information will be incorporated into the Environmental Report. Coastal defences Information will be used to supplement data contained within the Coastal Inspection reports produced as part of the Northwest Regional Monitoring programme (see Section 4.1). Option development and appraisal Development of options will take account of the works and include relevant information from the studies on environmental impacts.
5.9 Walney Island Strategy Review, 2014 Walney Island Strategy Review was completed in August 2014 and replaces the previous 2004 strategy. The update includes several supporting studies including a Shoreline Evolution Report (Appendix I), No Active Intervention Report, including breach modelling Appendix K), Options Development Report (Appendix L) and Beach Monitoring Report (Appendix H). Erosion rates for the strategy area were updated from SMP2 and were based on historical recession rates collected from a range of sources including; analysis of the MHW (mean high water) tide line using OS maps, data from the Walney Strategy (Atkins, 2000), data provided by local stakeholders and analysis of beach profile data from 1993 to 2010. Flood risk was assessed based on extreme water levels derived from the Environment Agency’s 2011 Study “Coastal flood boundary conditions for UK mainland and islands”. How will we use this? It is not intended that any new work will be undertaken for Walney Island, but the Strategy covering the rest of Cumbria needs to compliment the work contained within the Walney Island Strategy Review. 5.10 Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm, 2013 In 2009 The Crown Estate invited developers to submit bids to secure the right to extend offshore wind farms, including Walney I and Walney II offshore wind farms. These are located around 19 km west- southwest of Walney Island. An Environmental Statement was produced in 2013 which presents the findings of the environmental impact assessment for the project, considering the offshore wind farm (including offshore platforms and cables), export cable route, cable landfall, onshore works, onshore substation components and connection to the National Grid. This includes assessments of: • Metocean, coastal processes, geology and geomorphology (chapter 7)
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• Sediment and water quality (Chapter 8) • Sites designated for nature conservation (Chapter 15) • Hydrology and Flood Risk (Chapter 23)
Figure 5.2 Location of Walney extension offshore wind farm
How will we use this? Coastal processes Data and information within the coastal study reports will be incorporated as relevant, although it is noted that the ES concludes that “all impacts considered in relation to metocean and coastal processes are assessed to be not significant” and that that the impact on sediment and water quality will be low and the magnitude minor. SEA and environmental appraisal of options Data and information within the ES reports will be incorporated as relevant, and the potential impacts may need to be considered when looking at in-combination effects of options.
5.11 Sea Mill Coast Protection Options Appraisal, 2012 The report was prepared to investigate the long term effectiveness of the existing defences, from Pow Beck in the north to Ancient Fishgarth in the south (see Figure 2), as well as exploring a number of options for future management. A visual inspection of defences was undertaken to assess condition as of 2011. An appraisal of beach profile data was also undertaken, but the study concluded that findings from this support those from Futurecoast, SMP2 and CETaSS that erosion rates and sediment movement along this length of coastline are low. Five do something options (in addition to do nothing and do minimum) were considered and appraised in terms of technical, environmental and economic impacts. Based on these appraisals, two options were found to be the most sustainable, both of which involve upgrading the defences to extend their effective lifespan. The difference between the options was the timing of works.
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Figure 5.3 Location of Sea Mill Coast Protection Options Appraisal study, © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019. Ordnance Survey licence number: 1000019596.
How will we use this? Coastal processes Conclusions from the shoreline change analysis will be used, as relevant, to supplement information in the SMP2. Option development and appraisal The options presented in the report will be incorporated within the options development and appraisals.
5.12 Stubb Place Coast Protection Options Appraisal, 2012 The report considers the section of coast between Bootle and Waberthwaite, south of the Ravenglass Estuary complex. This section of coastline is eroding and access to MoD Eskmeals site via this route could be lost if erosion continues and the road is washed away. Talks have been held between QinetiQ, Copeland BC and Cumbria CC to discuss construction of a new road access into the site, which would be further inland and not subject to the same risk of erosion as the current road, but in the interim Capita Symonds were commissioned to assess the current defences and appraise options for defending the road from erosion, in its current alignment, until the new road has been constructed. A visual inspection of defences was undertaken to assess condition as of 2011. An appraisal of beach profile data and available aerial photography was also undertaken. The report states that the results from this analysis reiterate those from the CBC Local Monitoring Reports (CEUK, 2009 & 2011) that erosion rates are low and generally cyclical, with erosion largely being driven by storm events. Profiles have shown some flattening with the upper tidal contours migrating landwards. Five do something options (in addition to do nothing and do minimum) were considered and appraised in terms of technical, environmental and economic impacts. Following this appraisal, the construction of setback defences using Pendine blocks was found to be the most sustainable option. This option allows reuse of the existing blocks, minimises possible adverse effects on sediment movement along the frontage and can be constructed in phases, which reduces initial investment.
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Figure 5.4 Location of Stubb Place Coast Protection Options Appraisal, © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019. Ordnance Survey licence number: 1000019596.
How will we use this? Coastal processes Conclusions from the shoreline change analysis will be used, as relevant, to supplement information in the SMP2. Option development and appraisal The options presented in the report will be incorporated within the options development and appraisals. The temporary nature of the implemented option and the latest condition of the defences will be taken into account.
5.13 St Bees Groynes Appraisal report, 2011 This report was prepared to investigate the long-term effectiveness of the existing defences along the St Bees shoreline, from Rottington Beck in the north to Seacote Hotel in the south, as well as exploring a number of options for future management. A visual inspection of defences was undertaken to assess condition as of 2011. An appraisal of beach profile data and available aerial photography was also undertaken. The findings of this concurred with the conclusions of Futurecoast, SMP2 and the Copeland local process report that longshore drift rates are low and that the main movement of material in front of the frontage is onshore during storm events. Four do something options (in addition to do nothing and do minimum) were considered and appraised in terms of technical, environmental and economic impacts. Based on these appraisals it was concluded that the preferred option is to refurbish the groynes in year 10 while carrying out maintenance work to ensure public safety in the interim.
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Figure 5.5 Location of St Bees Groynes Appraisal study, © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019. Ordnance Survey licence number: 1000019596.
How will we use this? Coastal processes Conclusions from the shoreline change analysis will be used, as relevant, to supplement information in the SMP2. Option development and appraisal The options presented in the report will be incorporated within the options development and appraisals.
5.14 Roa Island Shorelink Sustainability Study, 2010 Review Review of an earlier ABPmer (2003) Roa Island Shorelink: Sustainability Study in order to provide Barrow in Furness Borough Council with an updated Study based on newly available information. This includes an environmental baseline including an archaeological review, defence inspection (2010), updated appraisal of water levels and wave climate and option evaluation. Economic analyses of the proposed options indicated that an option comprising the construction of a 0.75 m high flood wall, new revetments locally on the Island and refurbishment of the Foulney causeway has a benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 2.8. However, in order to generate additional Outcome Measures score the project team also considered an option that included realignment of Foulney embankment in order to create 15 ha of saltmarsh. The options costs and benefit assessments all considered major capital schemes commencing in year 5. Although the habitat creation option resulted in a higher outcome measure score the BCR reduced to 1.7 due to the additional costs of the realignment. How will we use this? Coastal processes Conclusions from the shoreline change analysis will be used, as relevant, to supplement information in the SMP2. Option development and appraisal The options presented in the report will be incorporated within the options development and appraisals.
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5.15 Local Plans 5.15.1 Carlisle Local Plan The City Council adopted the Carlisle District Local Plan 2015-2030 in November 2016. The Local Plan sets planning policies for the District against which planning applications will be assessed. The Plan also allocates land for various uses, including housing development, across the District, setting out a strategic vision for growth over the next 15 years. 5.15.2 Allerdale Local Plan The Allerdale Local Plan (Part 1) Pre-Submission Draft was formally adopted in July 2014 and sets out the strategic and development management policies that will guide development up to 2029. The Local Plan is supported by a number of evidence base covering, housing, employment, retail, climate change and energy, transport, environment, communities and infrastructure. The process of preparing the Allerdale Local Plan (Part 2) has now reached the ‘Preferred Options’ consultation stage, in which the Council has identified the sites that they consider to be the most suitable sites to allocate for development purposes, or designate for alternative uses. These were consulted upon January – March 2017. 5.15.3 Copeland Local Plan Copeland Local Plan covers the period 2013-2028. The Core Strategy and Development Management Policies DPD (adopted December 2013) forms the main part of the Development Plan for the borough. The Council continues to consider remaining ‘saved’ policies from the Copeland Local Plan 2001-2016 (adopted 2006) relating to specific areas of land (which will be reviewed in the Site Allocations and Policies Plan). The Site Allocations and Policies Plan is currently in development, with consultation on stage two Preferred Options undertaken in Summer 2016. 5.15.4 Lake District National Park Local Plan and Management Plan The Lake District National Park Core Strategy (Local Plan Part One) was adopted October 2010 and forms one part of the Local Development Framework for the Lake District National Park. This covers around 19 km of the Strategy coastline, from Drigg and Ravenglass to Silecroft, and sets out how the Vision for the National Park will be delivered by 2025 and defines core policies. A new Local Plan is currently in development (www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planning/local-plan-review). This has involved a review of the strategic objectives outlined in the Core Strategy and preparation of new draft strategic objectives. The draft strategic objectives outline the key ambitions for the Local Plan, up to 2030. As part of the preparation of the emerging Local Plan, the Lake District National Park are required to undertake a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) to ensure the social, environmental and economic impacts of the plan are taken into account. A draft Scoping Report was produced April 2017 and consultation with statutory bodies completed in May 2017. The Lake District National Park Partnership produced a Management Plan for the English Lake District 2015 – 2020, which was adopted December 2015. The intention of this plan was to combine the management requirements of a National Park and potential World Heritage Site to ensure that there a single strategic approach that is consistent and appropriate for both designations. It sets out a number of strategies that define the approach to future management of the National Park and World Heritage Site, in line with policies established by the Local Plan. 5.15.5 Barrow Local Plan Barrow Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan which will update and replace current local planning policy. The Plan will cover the period up to 2031 and will allocate sites for development and protect
38 BASELINE INFORMATION REPORT important areas such as natural habitats and public open spaces. It is anticipated that the Local Plan will be adopted in early 2018. 5.15.6 South Lakeland Local Plan South Lakeland is preparing a new local plan over the period 2015-2021. The existing Local Plan covers the period from 2003 to 2025. The current local plan includes • a Core Strategy (adopted in 2010) which sets out the quantity, distribution and general principles underlying development • Land Allocations (adopted in 2013) which allocates sites to meet development needs; • Development Management framework (currently in preparation) and • Arnside-Silverdale Local Plan (currently in preparation jointly with Lancaster City Council dealing with the special issues associated with the Arnside Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 5.15.7 Land allocation data for Cumbria Data sets are available for all Local Plan allocations, as follows: • Carlisle – last update: November 2016 • Allerdale - last update: January 2017 • Copeland - last update: January 2015 • South Lakeland – last update: December 2013 • Barrow - last update: May 2017 How will we use this? Development of options The land allocations will be considered in the assessment of assets at risk and options appraisals. However, note that Defra / EA guidance only allows existing development to be considered in the justification of FD Grant in Aid funding and properties constructed since January 2012 do not count towards Outcome Measures so funding to reduce risk these sites would need to come from other funding sources. SEA and environmental appraisal of options This information will be considered as part of the environmental appraisal of the options.
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6 Other reports 6.1 Appraisal of SMP delivery Risk, 2017 National Study undertaken by CH2M to assess where delivery of some SMP policies may be challenging along the English coastline. For the North West England SMP (excluding the Welsh section of coastline), the review concluded that out of 204 policy units: 68% were no obvious risk, 21% required further consideration and 11% were flagged as ‘be aware’. How will we use this? Development of options Outputs from the study, together with feedback from key partners will help inform priority areas and areas where the SMP may require further review. 6.2 Review of SMP Action Plan To support delivery of the SMP2, a North West Shoreline Management Plan coordinator role has been established by the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. One of the first task has been to review and update the SMP2 Action Plan to reflect progress since the SMP2 and to more fully define how future actions may be addressed. The revised Action Plan identifies 121 out of 711 actions recorded that may be considered by the Strategy. How will we use this? Strategy development Development of the strategy will work with the North West Shoreline Management Plan coordinator to address issues, as appropriate. 6.3 National Trust Future Coast project, 2015 (confidential) The National Trust manages three sites along the Cumbria coast, namely: Arnside and Silverdale, Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, and Whitehaven Coast. Halcrow (CH2M) were commissioned by the National Trust to consider long term change impacts to Trust properties and their biodiversity interests. The study identified both challenges and opportunities that may be faced in the future. The reports, including both text and maps, are confidential and therefore permission will need to be sort from the National Trust before any information can be used. How will we use this? If data is made available by the National Trust: SEA Any additional information regarding will be incorporated into the Environmental Report (both text and mapping). Consideration of risk and opportunities Information will be used to inform this appraisal, drawing upon challenges and opportunities identified in the reports. Option development and appraisal Development of options will take account of key conclusions and recommendations of the study.
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6.4 Local Authority study scoping responses Prior to the commencement of the strategy study a scoping exercise was undertaken with the project partners, including Coast Protection Authorities and Natural England in order to identify key issues and opportunities for their sections of coastline. Responses from the following organisations were received at the start of the project:
• Allerdale BC • Copeland BC • Barrow BC • South Lakeland DC • Natural England The responses provide varying detail and generally set out considerations for objectives for the strategy and provide commentary on locations considered at key risk. How will we use this? Consideration of risk and opportunities Information will be used to inform the risk and opportunity work, drawing upon challenges and opportunities identified in the reports.
6.5 Other reports from Partner Local Authorities and Environment Agency We are aware that there may be other reports and appraisals that have not yet been received. Any further information received following comments from partners on this draft report will be considered and added to the final version.
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7 Key data gaps
In addition to data identified in the above sections that needs to be obtained from the relevant bodies, the table below identified key data and information which will inform the Strategy: Description Theme Possible source Site information for Eskmeals Assets MoD/ Qinetiq Firing Range, including future plans Land ownership data Assets Cumbria County Council, Local Authorities Sewers, pipelines and service Assets United Utilities plus other services suppliers. s infrastructure Network Rail coastal defence Defences Network Rail asset management plans Heritage data Assets Cumbria Historic Environment Service, Local Authorities
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