Assessing Coastal Risks

Coastal Vulnerability Assessments

Coastal Vulnerability Assessments at JGP

JGP’s experienced geotechnical team have carried out numerous Coastal Vulnerability Assessments, which are typically required as part of the Planning process for new developments, replacement dwellings, larger extensions, etc. within areas at risk from coastal change. 28% of coastlines in England and Wales are currently considered to be vulnerable to erosion.

Local Authorities have identified coastline potentially at risk or are located in designated Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMAs). In accordance with The National Planning Policy Framework, CCMAs are those areas likely to be affected by a “physical change to the shoreline through erosion, coastal landslip, permanent inundation (flooding) or coastal accretion”.

Understanding Coastal Vulnerability

Our coastline is constantly altered by waves and tidal currents and climatic conditions. Climate change is predicted to have significant effects with current projections for sea level rise being between 0.27m to 1.12 metres by the end of the Century. The UK has already seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms and higher intensity rainfall over recent years.

Planning Guidance for Coastal Vulnerability Assessments

Planning Guidance indicates that Coastal Vulnerability Assessments (CVAs) need to demonstrate that the development:

Would not negatively impact the ability of local communities and the natural environment to adapt sustainably to the impacts of climate change.

Will be safe through its planned lifetime, without increasing risk to life or property. Typically, the design life of a property is taken as 100 years.

Will not require new or improved coastal defences.

Would not affect the natural balance and stability of the coastline or exacerbate the rate of shoreline change to the extent that changes to the coastline are increased nearby or elsewhere.

Would not adversely affect coastal stability due to the proposed surface water drainage method. Soakaways and other infiltration based sustainable systems are not recommended as they may adversely affect coastal stability.

Could be safely removed at the end of its planned life before the site is immediately threatened by shoreline changes.

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