Coastal Vulnerability Assessments

How can we help?

Are you looking to develop (or redevelop) a property in a coastal area?

If so you may find youself requiring a Coastal Vulnerability Assessment as part of your planning application.

Slope Stabilty Southwest can help!

What is a Coastal Vulnerability Assessment?

The Coastal Vulnerability Assessment was introduced as part of National Planning Policy Framework guidance published in 2018. The principal set out in this document is to ‘reduce risk from coastal change by avoiding inappropriate development of ‘coastal areas’.

The assessment will need to demonstrate the development:

• • Is consistent with policy statements for the local policy unit in the current Shoreline Management Plan,
  • Will not impair the ability of communities and the natural environment to adapt sustainably to the impacts of a changing climate,
  • Will be safe through its planned lifetime, without increasing risk to life or property, or requiring new or improved coastal defences, 
  • Provides safe access and egress for the site and its users, and
  • Would not affect the natural balance and stability of the coastline or exacerbate the rate of shoreline change to the extent that changes to the coastline are increased nearby or elsewhere, and

Slope Stability Southwest have experience of working closely with the local planning authority to manage the requirements of this guidance and keep proposed coastline development sustainable to the environment.

Take a look at the Cornwall Council Climate Emergancy Development Plan for more details.