Tamar Estuary - Tamerton Lake to Gunnislake (upper Tamar Estuary East) 6C32
Summary management approach
Broadly the intent here is to encourage a non-interventional approach and for natural estuarine processes to occur, which will support objectives for the area's internationally protected environment. However the presence of numerous discrete sections of defence is recognised, and therefore the approach also supports local activity to maintain exisiting defences where required, though some of this activity will be dependent on private funding. Wherever possible a managed realignment approach to defence should be adopted, creating opportunities for more sustanable defence positioning and habitat creation.This principle is demonstrated by work undertaken at South Hoe in 2023 to realign flood banks inland and create additional intertidal habitat. However it is also recognised that some existing defences will need to be maintained along current alignments, but this in turn may require compensatory habitat to be delivered for the resulting coastal squeeze which occurs where defences remain static. There is intention to commence development of a Tamar Estuary Complex Stratgey in 2024, which will coordinate management activity and allow a more strategic approach to delivery of habitat creation and compensation. Local activity intent does not support creation of new defences.
Generic approach assigned to this unit
Management approaches depend on funding and relevant approvals and permissions. Adaptation to coastal change may be needed. If defences are present, some risk from flooding, erosion or ground instability may remain.
Time periods (short (0 to 20 years), medium (20 to 50 years) and long (50 to 100)) are approximate and do not signify precise dates of management transitions.
0 to 20 years (2005 to 2025)
NI4No active interventionLocal activity only
Where the overall intention is for a natural shoreline, not to encourage new defences. In some areas, where specified in the Shoreline Management Plan, works to repair or construct short stretches of defence to provide localised protection (such as to a slipway, access point or isolated properties) may be considered by the Local Planning Authority. All works require relevant permissions.
20 to 50 years (2025 to 2055)
NI4No active interventionLocal activity only
Where the overall intention is for a natural shoreline, not to encourage new defences. In some areas, where specified in the Shoreline Management Plan, works to repair or construct short stretches of defence to provide localised protection (such as to a slipway, access point or isolated properties) may be considered by the Local Planning Authority. All works require relevant permissions.
50 to 100 years (2055 to 2105)
NI4No active interventionLocal activity only
Where the overall intention is for a natural shoreline, not to encourage new defences. In some areas, where specified in the Shoreline Management Plan, works to repair or construct short stretches of defence to provide localised protection (such as to a slipway, access point or isolated properties) may be considered by the Local Planning Authority. All works require relevant permissions.
Neighbouring units
The following units are within 1km of this one:
- Tamar Estuary - Devil's Point to Tamerton Lake 6C31
- Tamar Estuary - Gunnislake to Saltash North (upper Tamar Estaury West) 6C33
- Tamar Estuary - Saltash 6C34
- Tamar Estuary - River Lynher (Saltash South to Torpoint North (Jupiter Point)) 6C35
Protected sites
This area of coastline is in or near a special protection area.
Data last updated: 2024-04-17
View Special Protection Area on the Data Services PlatformThis area of coastline is in or near 2 areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Data last updated: 2024-06-29
View Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Data Services PlatformThis area of coastline is in or near a special conservation area.
Data last updated: 2024-04-17
View Special Area of Conservation on the Data Services PlatformThis area of coastline is not in or near a ramsar wetland area.
Data last updated: 2024-04-03
View Ramsar Site on the Data Services PlatformThere are 5 scheduled monuments near this area of coastline.
Data last updated: 2024-04-03
View Scheduled Monument on the Data Services PlatformThis area of coastline is in or near 4 local nature reserves.
Data last updated: 2024-06-29
View Local Nature Reserve on the Data Services PlatformThere are 4 sites of special scientific interest near this area of coastline.
Data last updated: 2024-07-26
View Site of Special Scientific Interest on the Data Services PlatformThis area of coastline is not in or near a national nature reserve.
Data last updated: 2024-06-29
View National Nature Reserve on the Data Services PlatformThere is a marine conservation zone near this area of coastline.
Data last updated: 2024-04-03
View Marine Conservation Zone on the Data Services PlatformActions for this unit
All actions are subject to funding and approval, often by other parties than the Lead Organisation shown.
| Reference Number | Action Description | Action Lead Organisation | Action Progress Status | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.196 | Undertake a detailed study of the Tamar Estuary to investigate managed realignment opportunities and future flood defence needs to develop a programme of works and further study. | Environment Agency | Not yet started | Medium-low |
| 16.197 | Complete a study or strategy assessing flood risk to assets (including landfills) and potential Managed Realignment opportunities throughout the Tamar Estuary. As part of this study or strategy, consider amending the wording of the summary management approach to more clearly communicate the intent to Hold The Line for all historic landfills, and/orsplitting into smaller discrete units with a single management approach (where possible) to distinguish between developed and undeveloped areas and to clarify which of those developed areas will be protected. Apply Shoreline Management Plan change process depending on outcome of this study or strategy. | Pending agreement | Not yet started | Medium-low |
| 16.193 | Carry out a study to investigate the effects of Shoreline Management Plan management approaches on the heritage features at risk and consider mitigation measures and/or recording as appropriate. | Pending agreement | Not yet started | Low |
| 16.194 | Quantify habitat losses and gains, and identify and secure sites for compensatory intertidal habitat losses within the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation. | Environment Agency | Not yet started | Low |
Download SMP documents
The information on this website represents the current SMP management approaches adopted by the local authorities within its area, and current actions needed to deliver them. These management approaches have been approved by the Environment Agency under its Strategic Overview for coastal flood and erosion risk management and are considered to be local policy.
The documents below provide the full SMP adopted locally and approved by the Environment Agency at the time of publication. Some of the information has changed in response to new government policy, new evidence or new work identified.
Data on this page
Main report
Appendices
- Appendix A - SMP Development
- Appendix B - Stakeholder Engagement
- Appendix C - Baseline Process Understanding
- Appendix D - Sea Environmental Baseline Report
- Appendix E - Issues and Objectives Evaluation
- Appendix F - Initial Policy Appraisal and Scenario Development
- Appendix G - Preferred Policy Scenario Testing
- Appendix H - Economic Appraisal and Sensitivity Testing
- Appendix I - Strategic Environmental Assessment Report
- Appendix J - Appropriate Assessment Report
- Appendix K - Water Framework Directive Assessment Report
- Appendix L - Metadata and Bibliographic Databases
- Appendix M - Action Plan Summary Tables