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Unit

Towan Beach 32.3

Summary management approach

Continue to maintain defences in the short to medium term with respect to potential redevelopment of commercial site to improve tourism assets. Move to a non-intervention approach in the long term to relieve pressure from sea level rise. The adopted approach for the intermediate period is Hold the Line/No Active Intervention, highlgithing that the timing of this transition could be brought forward. In 2019, a Coastal Change Management Area, covering the majority of the Newquay Parish coastline, was formally adopted by Cornwall Council, as part of the formal integration of the Newquay Neighbourhood Plan into the land use planning system. Coastal change policies now set out guidance and specific sustainability criteria which now need to be applied to any new development proposals within at risk areas.

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)

HL1Hold the lineMaintain/replace

Where protection is currently provided by coastal defence structures or managed beaches, and the intention is to retain a defence along approximately the current alignment. This will involve replacing defences when needed. Defence type, method and standard of protection may be modified over time.


20 to 50 years (2025 to 2055)

HL3Hold the lineRepair not replace

Where protection is currently provided by coastal defence structures that might be maintained or repaired if funding allows, but not replaced if they fail or reach the end of their design life.


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:

Protected sites

This area of coastline is not in or near a special protection area.

Data last updated: 2024-04-17

View Special Protection Area on the Data Services Platform

This area of coastline is in or near an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Data last updated: 2024-06-29

View Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Data Services Platform

This 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 Platform

This 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 Platform

There are no scheduled monuments near this area of coastline.

Data last updated: 2024-04-03

View Scheduled Monument on the Data Services Platform

This area of coastline is not in or near a local nature reserve.

Data last updated: 2024-06-29

View Local Nature Reserve on the Data Services Platform

There are no sites of special scientific interest near this area of coastline.

Data last updated: 2024-06-29

View Site of Special Scientific Interest on the Data Services Platform

This 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 Platform

There is a marine conservation zone near this area of coastline.

Data last updated: 2024-04-03

View Marine Conservation Zone on the Data Services Platform

Actions for this unit

All actions are subject to funding and approval, often by other parties than the Lead Organisation shown.

Reference NumberAction DescriptionAction Lead OrganisationAction Progress StatusPriority
17.119Develop an adaptation plan with a detailed assessment of future flood risk for the area, which is covered by the Newquay Coastal Change Management Area, including identification of triggers and engagement with businesses and the community. This should help to resolve the medium to long term management approach, avoiding unsustainable development and allowing appropriate use of the area without compromising the longer term need for adaptation. Based on outcomes of this detailed assessment, consider possible amendments to the SMP management approach in this unit.Cornwall CouncilNot yet startedMedium-high
17.124Improve Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to ensure it considers wave induced flooding to reduce risks to property and life.Cornwall CouncilComplete

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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

Summaries

Supporting documents