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Unit

Westward Ho! 7C06

Summary management approach

Maintain and improve the existing seawall defences, replacing them with much larger structures as required, recognising need to adjust for changes in the adjacent section at Northam Burrows.

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)

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.


50 to 100 years (2055 to 2105)

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.


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 not 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 2 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
18.15Complete the Coordinated Response for Intertidal Taw Torridge Estuary Restoration (CRITTER) project to improve water quality and biodiversity within the estuary and its tributaries, protect and enhance the shell fishery, and relieve morphological pressures on the tidal prism associated with long-standing physical modification of the estuary and its floodplain. The project will provide a Green infrastructure masterplan for investment that is linked to the planned development and flood defences of Barnstaple and Bideford.North Devon Biosphere FoundationProgressingMedium-high
18.66Review and consider amendments to SMP policy statement to clarify the intent of management at the transition between 7c06 and 7c07, with reference to the Taw Torridge Flood and Coastal Risk Management Study. Consider splitting the Westward Ho! Policy Unit (PU) into two units, to distinguish the specific nature of the transition between current units 7c06 and 7c07.Pending agreementNot yet startedMedium-high
18.13.01Produce Taw-Torridge Estuary Strategy, drawing on the Coordinated Response for Intertidal Taw Torridge Estuary Restoration (CRITTER) project, Environment Agency's Taw Torridge Modelling updates, Dynamic Dunescapes and other information. This should review defence, habitat creation and wider benefits and needs, investigate funding options and make necessary changes identified in the SMP Refresh project using the SMP Change Process.Environment AgencyNot yet startedMedium
18.14Update flood modelling and mapping to reflect latest guidance, providing revised flood risk evidence to inform future management decisions in the Taw Torridge estuary.Environment AgencyProgressingMedium
18.66.01Engage with owners of tourist amenities and facilities to discuss future management options and funding sources for continued defence. This should be considered in conjunction with unit 7c07.Pending agreementNot yet startedMedium-low
18.13Undertake a Strategy Study for Westward Ho! to Saunton Down, including the Taw/Torridge Estuary, to determine the best approaches for delivering the Shoreline Management Plan policies and develop a programme of works. Includes defence condition assessment, managed realignment options, climate change implications, investment plan and roles/responsibilities for different defence assets within the area.Environment AgencyComplete

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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