Agenda item

(To receive a report by David Hickman, Head of Environment, which outlines work to establish a partnership approach to securing the future of Lincolnshire's coastal areas)

Consideration was given to a report which outlined the work to establish a partnership approach to securing the future of Lincolnshire's coastal areas.  This built on existing public and stakeholder aspirations.  It aimed to provide a framework to shape and support delivery of strategic objectives in a way that was most appropriate to the coastal context.

It was highlighted that the report outlined some of the key issues, specifically on the east coast, as the coastal morphology and processes were different from those in the Humber estuary and the Wash.  There was a need to consider what the aim was for what east coast would look like in the future.  The report outlined some of the elements under consideration.

Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         In relation to the Towns Deal, it was commented that this was a great opportunity and East Lindsey already had a Local Plan in place.  The challenge would be about how best to manage the area.  The focus would be on tourism which was very important to the area.  There was also a need for partnership working, as it was likely there would be a lot of interest in this.

·         It was commented that this was an opportunity for strong partnership working.  There would be a need to make a strong case to government on how the economy could grow and demonstrate that the Lincolnshire coast would have an important role in the economy of the country.

·         In terms of funding there was a need for a long term plan and it was queried whether local initiatives were needed.

·         It was suggested that money could be raised from people that came to enjoy the coast, which could be used to fund initiatives to prevent flooding on the coast.  It was suggested that a nominal amount of £1 per adult per week could make a big difference.  This was endorsed by other members of the Committee and it was highlighted that there was a need for government to take action which would empower local authorities to create their own solutions.

·         It was confirmed that Lincolnshire was involved in the 2021 coastal initiative, which was a national scheme.  It was commented that this included the Lincolnshire section of the English coastal path and linked to the North Sea Observatory.  It was thought that it would bring a lot more people to the coast.

·         The traditional model on the coast had been to build bigger defences, and it was queried what the intentions were for the future.  Members were advised that in terms of the Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point strategy, the council had been out to consultation and one of the options was to install rock groynes, an approach which had been approved, however this did not provide any additional funding.  The only funding was coming from two beach nourishment campaigns. 

·         There was a strong business case to continue flood risk management on the coast.

·         It was noted that the National Flood Risk Management Strategy should be published soon.  It was thought that there would be a focus on the resilience of the community, and how communities could become more resilient and react to flooding incidents.

RESOLVED

            That the Committee note the approach outlined and supported officers in the continuing development of the strategy and vision for coastal Lincolnshire.