Residents of Norfolk and Suffolk are invited to have their say on planning policies in areas that may be affected by changes to the coastline.

A consultation for residents from Great Yarmouth, East Suffolk and North Norfolk on the draft Coastal Adaptation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) begins on Wednesday, January 25.

The document provides detailed guidance for residents, developers, businesses and landowners on policies to help ensure coastal communities continue to prosper while adapting to a changing coastline.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Erosion at Hemsby, Norfolk.Erosion at Hemsby, Norfolk. (Image: Archant © 2018)

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The draft SPD includes some best practice case studies from across the combined area.

A partnership of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the Broads Authority, East Suffolk Council, North Norfolk District Council and the shared Coastal Partnership East team has prepared the draft SPD to support the implementation of Local Plan policies related to the coast.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith.Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith. (Image: Archant)

Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: "Effective management of our coast and how we adapt to the effects of coastal change is of fundamental importance to the continued sustainable enjoyment of our coast and our economic development.

"This new document will help ensure the Great Yarmouth area can continue to prosper by providing detailed guidance for developers, landowners and other relevant individuals and organisations by increasing our resilience, innovation and vitality

"With that in mind, we would very much urge people to take part in this consultation and provide feedback that will help us and our partners provide a robust and effective framework for the future."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: FLASHBACK. Happisburgh Coastline in 1995.FLASHBACK. Happisburgh Coastline in 1995. (Image: Submitted)

Andrew Brown, North Norfolk District Council’s portfolio holder for Planning and Enforcement said: “This document is the result of several authorities agreeing to work together to ensure we make better-informed planning decisions in future. 

"It is important to engage with our residents in North Norfolk and this consultation delivers the opportunity to test and receive an opinion on the best way forward.

"The proposals once adopted will give support to interpreting policies in the emerging Local Plan for our district and ensure our coastal communities can continue to thrive notwithstanding the challenges from climate change in the years ahead."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Happisburgh Coastline in 2021.Happisburgh Coastline in 2021. (Image: Submitted)

You can view and comment on this consultation at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-policy-consultations.

Have your say

Comments on the Draft Coastal Adaptation Supplementary Planning Document must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, March 8.

Comments can be emailed to planningpolicy@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or sent to East Suffolk Council, Planning Policy and Delivery Team, Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ.

All comments received will be considered and taken into account when finalising the Coastal Adaptation SPD, scheduled for summer 2023.

East Suffolk Council

Paper copies of the Draft SPD and Consultation Statement are available at all libraries in the district and the Council’s Customer Service Centre at The Marina, Lowestoft, and in Felixstowe and Woodbridge libraries.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Paper copies of the Draft SPD and Consultation Statement have been made available for inspection at the Town Hall.

Paper copies of the consultation documents can also be sent out to individuals on request by contacting localplan@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

North Norfolk District Council

Paper copies of the Draft SPD and Consultation Statement have been made available for inspection at the council’s Cromer and Fakenham offices, public libraries within the North Norfolk district.