People will be asked to give their views on the draft North Solent shoreline management plan (SMP), which sets out policies to manage the coastal flooding and erosion risks for the next 20, 50 and 100 years.

On Thursday, February 11, from 2pm to 7pm, an exhibition of the plan will be on display at Chichester District Council's East Pallant House headquarters.

This will give local residents a chance to find out how the recent coastal defence strategy, for Pagham to East Head, fits in with the management of the whole North Solent coastline.

Sections

The SMP breaks down the coastline into different sections and recommends one of four policies for each area:

• Hold the line – maintain or upgrade the level of protection provided by existing defences


• Advance the line – build new defences seaward of existing defences


• Managed realignment – allow movement of the shoreline forward or backward


• No active intervention – not


• to invest in providing or maintaining defences – not currently recommended anywhere in West Sussex

Cllr Deborah Urquhart, who is the West Sussex County Council cabinet member for environment and economy, said: "It is vitally important that we plan for the future of our coast, not just in the short term, but for the next 100 years.

"This plan provides a policy framework within which the county council, Environment Agency and other local authorities can help local communities face the issues of living on a changing coast."

The overall consultation started on Monday, (February 1), and will run for three months.

If you have internet access then the draft of the SMP, exhibition materials and feedback forms can also be seen at www.northsolentsmp.co.uk.


What do you think? Send a letter to news@chiobserver.co.uk or leave a comment below.

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