Northam Burrows 7C07
Summary management approach
Management varies along this shoreline unit. Along the southern part of Northam Burrows, maintain and improve embankment defences. Along the rest of the unit, continue to protect the former landfill site whilst allowing the pebble ridge to adapt naturally to rising sea levels (aided by beach recycling if required).
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)
MR4Managed realignmentNatural features
Where the intention is to maintain the flood or erosion risk management performance of a natural feature such as dune system, spit, or shingle barrier. This does not always mean fixing its position. The approach might involve active management of the feature or its surroundings to increase its width, length, height, or resilience. It does not involve building structures on or behind the natural feature.
20 to 50 years (2025 to 2055)
MR4Managed realignmentNatural features
Where the intention is to maintain the flood or erosion risk management performance of a natural feature such as dune system, spit, or shingle barrier. This does not always mean fixing its position. The approach might involve active management of the feature or its surroundings to increase its width, length, height, or resilience. It does not involve building structures on or behind the natural feature.
50 to 100 years (2055 to 2105)
MR4Managed realignmentNatural features
Where the intention is to maintain the flood or erosion risk management performance of a natural feature such as dune system, spit, or shingle barrier. This does not always mean fixing its position. The approach might involve active management of the feature or its surroundings to increase its width, length, height, or resilience. It does not involve building structures on or behind the natural feature.
Neighbouring units
The following units are within 1km of this one:
- Westward Ho! 7C06
- Skern salt marsh to Appledore (west) 7C08
- Appledore 7C09
- Appledore to Cleave Moorings, Northam 7C10
- Crow Point and Crow Neck 7C29
- Braunton Burrows 7C30
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 PlatformThis 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 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 is a scheduled monument near this area of coastline.
Data last updated: 2024-04-03
View Scheduled Monument on the Data Services PlatformThis 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 PlatformThere are 4 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18.15 | Complete 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 Foundation | Progressing | Medium-high |
| 18.13.01 | Produce 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 Agency | Not yet started | Medium |
| 18.14 | Update flood modelling and mapping to reflect latest guidance, providing revised flood risk evidence to inform future management decisions in the Taw Torridge estuary. | Environment Agency | Progressing | Medium |
| 18.67.01 | With local businesses, golf course owners and communities, develop a clearer approach for the management of the Northam Burrows and pebble ridge, building on the Taw Torridge Estuary Coastal Management Study. This needs to recognise the complex nature of the site and designations and therefore some sub-division of this unit may be appropriate to improve clarity. This should be considered in conjunction with changes to Policy Unit (PU) 7c06. | Pending agreement | Not yet started | Medium-low |
| 18.13 | Undertake 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 Agency | Complete |
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 Processes
- Appendix D - SEA Environmental Baseline Report (Theme Review)
- Appendix E - Issues Objectives
- Appendix F - Initial Policy Appraisal
- Appendix G - Preferred Policies Summary
- Appendix H - Economic Sensitivity
- Appendix I - SEA
- Appendix J - Appropriate Assessment
- Appendix K - WFD
- Appendix L - Metadata Bibliography
- Appendix M - Action Plan Tables