The development of coastal defence strategies or flood and erosion management strategies marks the next stage on from Shoreline Management Plans (SMP), in the 3 tier framework. The South Downs SMP set broad policy for the coastline in 1997 and covered the area from Beachy Head to Selsey Bill. After CDSs or FEMSs have been developed then individual Schemes and/or Beach Management Plans are developed and undertaken to ensure that appropriate levels or standards of defence are provided, whilst being Environmentally, Technically and Economically sound and Sustainable.

The coastal defence strategy, or flood and erosion management strategy studies have taken smaller sections of coast and developed, through comprehensive studies, 50 / 100 year Strategies and Implementation Plans that will cover the next five years.

The Strategies are also part of a national initiative by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the overall result of which is to have a strategies which provide longer term planning of coastal defences, better financial planning and a more integrated approach with partnering possibilities. The CDS / FEMSs will be reviewed every five years.

A number of Strategies have been, or are being, prepared. More information can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate link in the side bar.