Coastal protection
Coastal issues are particularly relevant for Southampton with its prominent position on the south coast. Southampton City Council contributes to the protection and management of the coastline in the following ways:
Solent Forum
Southampton City Council is a funding partner of the Solent Forum, which improves the management of the Solent and its coastline through networks and member organisations.
Flood and coastal defence
Southampton City Council and the Environment Agency are the main authorities responsible for delivering flood defence and coastal protection in Southampton. The City Council has produced a policy statement on flood and coastal defence, as required by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to outline how the Council proposes to reduce or manage flood and coastal erosion risks.
The `at risk` coastal areas were identified for Southampton City Council by WS Atkins consultants who carried out an assessment of coastal defence priorities in 1999. Weston Point, Northam, Town Depot and Mayflower Park were found to need work such as beach nourishment, rock revetment or replacement of sea walls.
As a further preventative measure the City Council refuses 'to permit new residential development and the significant intensification of existing residential development in tidal flood risk areas' (City of Southampton Local Plan 1991-2001).
There is also a shoreline management plan that covers Western Solent and Southampton Water. This is a non-statutory document that sets out a strategy for coastal defence along the Western Solent and Southampton Water coastline, taking account of natural coastal processes and other environmental and human influences and needs. Southampton City Council consults this document to develop coastal defence strategies for the River Test, River Itchen and Weston Shore, in cooperation with other authorities through the Standing Conference on Problems Associated with the Coastline (SCOPAC).
Costal habitat management
The intertidal habitats of the River Test and River Itchen are internationally important for migratory birds. The mudflats and saltmarsh of the estuaries provide a valuable food source for the birds and also support a wealth of other wildlife. The importance of these areas has been recognised by their designation as a special area of conservation and a special protection area. English Nature is responsible for setting objectives for these sites and Southampton City Council is working in partnership with other organisations to produce a scheme of management. Also the city council resists 'reclamation and development of the remaining mudlands, where it would result in damage to the interests of nature conservation' (City of Southampton Local Plan 1991-2001).
Maritime archaeology
Southampton City Council gives a grant to the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, which promotes interest, research and knowledge of maritime archaeology and heritage in Great Britain with core activities concentrated in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the adjacent South Coast areas. The city council archaeology unit's work includes community surveys of coastal sites and the Maritime Museum tells the story of the port since 1838.
Last updated: 1 December 2006
