Discussion

The pressures on the coastal zone were well illustrated by a description of problems in Hampshire and Dorset relating, inter alia, to population, tourism, leisure activities (particularly sailing), shipping, pollution and conservation. As afirst step Hampshire County Council had produced a report giving their views on a strategic approach. Dorset were producing a strategy for their coastline while the SCOPAC coastal group was investigating the application of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Consultation was proposed for developing a long-term coastal defence strategy in the area and for a strategy for marinas and moorings in the Solent.

It was accepted that the PPG was limited by the existing planning system and that changes in planning laws took a long time. Nevertheless the general view was that the PPG fell far short of what was necessary to achieve effective CZM and that a totally new approach was needed. The Report of the Environment Committee of the House of Commons on Coastal Zone Protection and Planning was welcomed particularly as the conclusions might influence thefinal edition of the PPG, once the report had been considered by the Government.