Community-led Flood and Coastal Management Projects Supporting Adaptation and Localism in Suffolk and Essex

Introduction

In recent years the development of Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs)1 /Catchment Flood

Management Plans (CFMPs) and Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Strategies

has been the initial driver for dialogue about flooding and erosion between communities and

the Environment Agency (EA) and Local Authorities(LAs).

These plans require decisions to be taken about long term flood and erosion risk management.

Continuing to keep defences in their current position where natural processes are impacting

on areas of coast and rivers may not be sustainable longer term. In addition, the economics of

maintaining defences in these locations may become prohibitive. In some locations the cost