Regeneration players and coastal networks

Coastal interest groups

This section provides brief pen-pictures of a range of membership and subscription organisations  concerned with some aspect of our coastal resorts and coastline. Fuller details of some of these organisations appear in Chapter 15, ‘In their own words’.

The LGA Coastal Special Interest Group (SIG)

Its Mission

The Local Government Association’s (LGA) Special Interest Group (SIG) on Coastal Issues champions coastal issues and represents the collective interests of all maritime local authorities.  It seeks to increase awareness and debate at a national and European level of environmental, economic and social issues and concerns that directly affect or which may so affect coastal, estuarine and maritime interests by: 

1. bringing pressure on the Government to achieve a step change in the level of funding to overcome present and future problems;
   
2. use every opportunity to secure full involvement of local Government at all levels of policy formulation concerning the coast;
   
3. strongly oppose any changes which take responsibility and decision making powers out of the hands of democratic leaders.

Its membership

Currently Chaired by Councillor Roger Thomas (East Sussex County Council), the SIG comprises elected members and officers from maritime local authorities throughout England.  This blends the experience, skills and expertise of practitioners with the influence, leadership and direction of decision-makers.  By way of its broad geographical representation, the group has extensive experience of a wide range of coastal and estuarine related fields and disciplines.  The group can call on ecologists, flood defence engineers, coastal planners and economic development practitioners.

Its work

Coastal Policy – the SIG’s ‘On the Edge’ strategy (2001) drew attention to the challenges and threats to the coast, particularly in light of climate change as well as the potential impacts of both on and off-shore development.

The SIG’s accompanying action plan seeks to influence emerging policy and legislation notably the raft of new Government policies aimed at modernising and streamlining the management of the coast and our inshore waters.  Two key pieces of legislation are currently being developed; the Marine and Coastal Access Bill and the Flood and Water Management Bill.  The SIG provides comprehensive responses to these and other key consultations with the aim of:

• raising the profile of Local Authorities within key policy areas;
• commissioning surveys and studies to raise awareness of policy implications for Local Government;
• ensuring full democratic accountability and the allocation of adequate resources for their implementation.

Coastal Risk – the SIG commissions studies and pubclishes reports to help inform coastal management, e.g. “Managing Coastal Risks” Study, LGA Coastal Risks Pack and publication of a comprehensive report into Shipping Incidents and implications for Local Government.

Lobbying – the SIG has developed close working relationships with Government Ministers and MPs (its champion in the House of Commons is Norman Lamb MP for North Norfolk) together with statutory organisations such as the Environment Agency and agencies such as the Local Government Information Unit.

Research – it continues to support and commission a comprehensive research programme highlighting challenges to the coast and sustainable coastal management, a list of which is highlighted on its website.

Partnerships – it has representation on Defra committees and the Environment Agency led Coastal Forum and works closely with Coastal Partnerships and Regional Flood Defence Committees. The SIG continues to work with all agencies to represent the position of Local Government.

Finance – in response to the challenging current financial climate it published a report on the financial benefits to working in partnership at the coast, with Defra and the Coastal Partnerships Working Group.

Regeneration – as well as contributing to the Government’s Coastal Inquiry the SIG has contributed to the development of the Coastal Communities Alliance’s Regeneration Handbook together with support for the All Party Parliamentary Group Coastal and Marine Inquiry into deprivation and disadvantage in coastal rural areas.  Its particular areas of interest include fisheries, offshore renewables (e.g. windfarms) and dredging alongside wider economic regeneration.  In continuing this theme, the SIG’s 2009 Conference in June will be focused on the coastal towns of east Kent.
Looking forward the SIG will work closely with partners such as the CCA that share its vision for a vibrant, dynamic, sustainable, democratic, thriving and natural coast.

Key SIG contacts:

Secretary: Kate Cole
Phone: 01273 481621
Address: East Sussex County Council, Transport & Environment, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1UE.

Economic Development and Regeneration issues: Nick Churchill
Phone: 01227 862052
Address: Canterbury City Council, Military Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3YW

See www.coastalsig.lga.gov.uk for its strategy, work programme, current activities and membership

Coastal Communities Alliance (CCA)

The Coastal Communities Alliance was established in 2007 in response to the Select Committee Inquiry into coastal towns. The CCA is a UK-wide umbrella network that focuses on the socioeconomic and regeneration issues of all coastal communities, not just seaside resorts.

Membership of the CCA is open to all coastal local authorities and to all public and private sector organisations engaged with coastal communities (including BRADA, BURA and the Coastal SIG).

The CCA operates as a brokerage organisation that serves to connect up the activities of partners (specifically Coastal SIG, BRADA and BURA) and to articulate the issues, lobby for change and promote solutions for coastal problems.

Membership is free. The website is www.coastalcommunities.co.uk.

LGA special interest group (SIG)

See box above.

Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA)

IDeA is owned by the Local Government Association and works for local government improvement so councils can serve people and places better. Working with national, regional and local partners, the agency helps councils work through local partnerships to tackle local priorities such as health, children's services and promoting economic prosperity. The agency advises councils on improving customer service and value-for-money. IDeA also promotes the development of local government’s workforce. IDeA has financially supported the production of this Handbook.

The website is www.idea.gov.uk.

British Resorts and Destination Association (BRADA)

This is a national body that operates as a trade association representing the wider interest of local authority sponsored tourism. Membership includes local government authorities, regional and local tourist boards, and commercial organisations that are suppliers of services either to the public or to the industry itself. The association does not promote the interests of major built coastal resorts exclusively; many are major rural destinations. The common link between all members is an engrained tradition of hosting visitors – and therefore a tendency towards a much higher local social and economic dependency on a vibrant tourism industry

Originally set up and run as a lobbying and advisory body, since its reorganisation in 1993 the association has expanded its offer to include a wide range of services. These vary from national advertising campaigns, through PR and press initiatives, to employee benefits, such as low-cost travel insurance.

Membership is by subscription. The website is www.britishresorts.co.uk.

British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA)

This is a membership organisation championing physical regeneration. Its membership is formed from the private, public and community sectors. BURA’s core areas of businesses are:

• leading the policy debate, influencing and shaping future policy;
• training regeneration practitioners;
• identifying and promoting excellence in regeneration;
• providing a knowledge, evidence and research base;
• building national and international networks of practitioners.

Membership is by subscription. The website is www.bura.org.uk.

CoastNET

CoastNET was established in 1995 and has evolved to provide a multidisciplinary network for the exchange of information, ideas and expertise in the sustainable management of the coastal and marine environment. In 1997, CoastNET became the UK branch of EUROCOAST, a pan-European network that stretches from the Atlantic to the Baltic. Current members include coastal industries, policymakers, marine consultants, local authority staff, researchers from universities and colleges, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). CoastNet is also the secretariat of the All Party Parliamentary Group of coastal MPs.

Membership is by subscription. The website is www.coastnet.org.uk.

Royal Town Planners Institute (RTPI)

The Royal Town Planning Institute is an organisation that attempts to lead the way in the creation of places that work now and in the future. The RTPI’s work involves:

• promoting good planning;
• developing and shaping policy affecting the built environment;
• raising the standards of the planning profession;
• supporting members through continued professional development;
• education and training for future planners.

Membership is by subscription. The website is www.rtpi.org.uk.

Marine Conservation Society (MCS)

This is a UK charity dedicated to caring for our seas, shores and wildlife. MCS campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection for all marine life. Through education, community involvement and collaboration, MCS raises awareness of the many threats that face our seas, and promotes individual, industry and government action to protect the marine environment

The website is www.mcsuk.org.

Standing Conference on Problems Affecting the Coastline (SCOPAC)

SCOPAC works to promote sustainable shoreline management, and to facilitate the duties and responsibilities of local authorities and other organisations managing the coastal zone of central southern England. SCOPAC’s aims are:

• to give sound advice on coastal issues;
• to be a strong influencer in optimising strategic and sustainable policies, plans and programmes to best manage the risks from coastal risk management;
• to be a natural and chosen forum for coastal practitioners to discuss coastal defence problems and share best practice;
• to be efficient in operation and provide best value for the public purse.

The website is www.scopac.org.uk.

UK Beach Management Forum (UKBMF)

UKBMF was formed in 2004 to bring together under one umbrella a forum that enables all beach operators to share best practices, to ensure that our beaches (resorts/rural) are presented at the highest standards. There are two key objectives:

• to raise the standard of UK beaches by sharing best practice and ensuring dialogue between beach managers;
• to represent the interests of UK beaches by providing a united and cohesive voice to promote the management, quality and sustainability of beaches and the coastline.

The website is www.ukbeach.org.

UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP)

UKCIP helps organisations to adapt to inevitable climate change. While it is essential to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of past emissions will continue to be felt for decades. Since 1997 UKCIP has been working with the public, private and voluntary sectors to assess how a changing climate will affect construction, working practices, demand for goods and services, biodiversity, service delivery , health, and more.

The website is www.ukcip.org.

The Coastal & Marine Union (European Union for Coastal Conservation) is an association with 2700 members and member organisations in 40 countries. Founded in 1989 with the aim of promoting coastal conservation by bridging the gap between scientists, environmentalists, site managers, planners and policymakers, it has grown since then into the largest network of coastal practitioners and experts in Europe, with 14 national branches and offices in seven countries. The working area is Europe, the Mediterranean and Black Sea and other neighbouring regions

The Coastal & Marine Union is dedicated to conserving and maintaining healthy seas and attractive coasts for both people and nature. It advocates best practice by developing coastal and marine policies, mobilising experts and stakeholders, providing advice and information, and implementing demonstration projects.

The website is www.eucc.nl.

Cozone

Cozone is a national network for UK marine and coastal scientists and engineers. The aim of the network is to provide a forum through which the coastal community can identify and tackle issues raised by both the research community and practitioners. The main objectives are to encourage new multidisciplinary research collaborations and to bring together an extended community of researchers and end-users of research. These objectives are achieved through a programme of meetings and a website.

The website is www.cozone.org.uk.

CoaST

CoaST is a social enterprise whose aim is to work towards one-planet tourism – a type of tourism that provides benefits to the people, economy and environment of Cornwall, and that operates within our social, financial and environmental means.

The website is www.cstn.org.uk.

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)

CABE works with architects, planners, designers, developers and clients, offering them guidance on projects that will shape lives (parks and open spaces are as important as bricks and mortar). CABE works on behalf of the public:

• advising clients, contractors, architects and planners;
• helping public agencies with good design;
• supporting public agencies in boosting their in-house design expertise;
• promoting better education, skills and careers for the built environment;
• conducting research and running campaigns on architecture, design and public spaces.

The initiative SeaChange aims to drive cultural and creative regeneration and economic growth in seaside resorts by funding inspiring, creative and innovative projects, bringing a sense of pride, enjoyment and celebration.

The website is www.cabe.org.uk.

Environment Agency (EA)

This is the lead organisation responsible for all flood and erosion risk management around the coastline of England. The agency works with partner local authorities and other organisations to develop strategic plans that work at local, regional and national levels. The EA also supports the practical delivery of those plans by giving Grant in Aid (GiA) funding and overseeing the work carried out.

Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) are the backbone of coastal management work. SMPs cover the entire coastline of England and Wales, providing the latest information on coastal changes, including social, economic and environmental data. They also contain flood and coastal erosion risk management policies for 20, 50 and 100 years into the future.

The website is www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

Natural England – The Countryside Agency

Natural England is the government’s advisor on the natural environment. It provides practical advice, grounded in science, on how best to safeguard England’s natural wealth for the benefit of everyone.

Natural England works with farmers and land managers, business and industry, planners and developers, national, regional and local government, interest groups and local communities to help them improve their local environment.

The website is www.naturalengland.org.uk.

National Trust

The National Trust cares for over 700 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, nearly 10 per cent of the total mileage. The remit also extends to built structures of significant maritime interest, such as lighthouses, harbours, and past military and archaeological sites.

The National Trust makes a major contribution to the protection of coastal landscapes that have been formed by natural processes, but argues that in some areas the most realistic option is ‘managed realignment’: retreating inland and letting natural erosion take place.

The website is www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

English Heritage

English Heritage is the government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, English Heritage is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Although sponsored by DCMS, English Heritage works with a range of government departments, notably DCLG and Defra, to help realise the potential of the historic environment.

English Heritage is funded in part by the government and in part from revenue earned from historic properties and other services. Public funding is in excess of £100 million annually, and income from other sources is in excess of £40 million.

English Heritage works in partnership with central government departments, local authorities, voluntary bodies and the private sector to:

• conserve and enhance the historic environment;
• broaden public access to the heritage;
• increase people’s understanding of the past.

The website is www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Wildlife Trusts

There are 47 local Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney, with 765,000 members. They are the largest UK voluntary organisations dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea. Objectives are:

• to stand up for wildlife and the environment;
• to create and enhance wildlife havens;
• to inspire people about the natural world;
• to foster sustainable living.

The website is www.wildlifetrust.org.uk.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

The RSPB is an environmental charity specialising in birds and biodiversity, working for a better world for birds, other wildlife and people. It gives nature a louder voice. The RSPB have more than 200 nature reserves, covering more than 130,000 hectares (500 square miles).

The website is www.rspb.org.uk

National Piers Society

The National Piers Society was founded in 1979 under Sir John Betjeman, at a time when some of the finest piers were threatened with demolition. Over the years the society has grown steadily and has become well established as the leading authority on piers. Through its efforts, several piers that would otherwise have vanished remain for the enjoyment of everyone.

The society’s aims are to promote and sustain interest in the preservation and continued enjoyment of seaside piers. It publishes Guide to British Piers and a quarterly magazine, and advises heritage bodies, lottery boards, local authorities and the media on pier matters. It maintains links with the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (representing pier owners) and the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, whose ships operate excursions from pier landing stages. The society has instituted an award scheme for engineering achievement in pier restoration. It organises visits and talks and holds its annual general meeting in a different resort each year. In the longer term, the society wishes to establish a network of regional branches and a National Piers Museum.
Membership by subscription.

The website is www.piers.org.uk.

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

The Institution of Civil Engineers is a registered charity that strives to promote and progress civil engineering. The institution believes that civil engineers are ‘at the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise’.

Those with an interest in the diverse aspects of coastal zone management are facing increasing challenges as a result of development pressures, environmental impacts as well as increasing risks arising from the impacts of climate change. The institution has papers available that cover the full range of coastal management topics, including:

• coastal policies and management arrangements;
• managing the dynamic coast;
• mapping, monitoring and new technologies;
• coastal and estuary engineering;
• coastal environmental management and enhancement;
• achieving better integrated coastal zone management.

Membership is by subscription. The website is www.ice.org.uk.

Market and Coastal Towns Association (MCTA)

The vision for the Market and Coastal Towns Association (MCTA) is to create vibrant, healthy and sustainable market and coastal towns in the South West of England by helping local communities and their partners to:

• prepare plans for their future covering all aspects of community life in their towns and surrounding rural areas;
• develop their skills and organisational capacity to be effective partners;
• share good practice and learn from local, regional, national and international experience;
• secure funding and professional assistance.

The website is www.swmctn.com.