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Written question asked by Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Monday, 8 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Flood Control: Dorset

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with (a) Dorset Council and (b) the Environment Agency on potential alternatives to the no active intervention policy for the Charmouth coastline.

Answer

The Government is investing £36 million in the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme to support communities, including in Dorset, to explore innovative approaches to adapt to coastal change.

The Environment Agency has published updated National Coastal Erosion Risk Map data, including future climate change scenarios.

Shoreline Management Plans, developed by local councils, guide long-term strategies for managing flood and erosion risks. The SMP policies for Charmouth were considered during the development of SMP16 ‘Durlston Head to Rame Head’ and will be reviewed as part of the current SMP refresh process. Dorset Council and the Environment Agency are part of the SMP16 management group for South Devon & Dorset, who can consider any new data for this area which may have implications for the current SMP policies.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
72159
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Flood control Environment Agency Dorset Dorset Council
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk