The North Devon and Somerset Coastal Authorities Group (NDASCAG)
The North Devon and Somerset Coastal Advisory Group works to encourage an integrated, strategic approach to the management of the entire coastal zone. It provides a forum for coastal practitioners to both discuss problems and develop shoreline management techniques that are both economically efficient and sensitive to environmental considerations.
The focus of the group has traditionally been coastal defence issues although the group recognises the importance of the natural, human and built environments on coastal defence policies, as demonstrated in the Shoreline Management Plans.
The operating authorities who have the statutory powers to undertake flood defence or coastal protection activities, are represented by North Devon District Council, North Somerset District Council, Torridge District Council, West Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council and the Environment Agency.
In order to provide sustainable coastal defence, the coastline needs to be considered holistically, hence there are additional members of the Group to those mentioned above. These are Devon County Council, Somerset County Council and Natural England Devon and Somerset. Defra, the government department responsible for coastal defence legislation and the majority of funding for coastal defence, is represented on the group as an observer.
Primary Objectives of the Group
1. To provide a point of contact between those with an interest in, or responsibility for managing the coast between Hartland Point and Anchor Head.
2. To establish and implement a management framework for reviewing and amending the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP).
Secondary Objectives of the Group
1 . To ensure consistency in all aspects of shoreline management planning.
2. To liaise and work with adjacent coastal cell groups and other interested parties in order to develop a regional maintenance strategy.
3. Develop a broader, more effective approach to the sustainable management of the shoreline and to ensure the development of appropriate plans and strategies.
4.Encourage and promote the development of quality solutions for sea defence and coast protection issues throughout the region.
5. Act as a forum for coastal engineers and others within the region, providing a mechanism to enable a greater sharing and exchange of knowledge and information.
6. Provide a focus for the promotion and discussion of coastal issues and work to influence policy makers both locally and nationally.
7. Encourage the development of a co-ordinated approach to the collection and storage of coastal data.
8. Identify and promote research and development needs within the region.
9. Develop closer links with adjacent Coastal Groups and with equivalent bodies in Europe, allowing common interests to be identified and facilitating the exchange of information.
10. Represent the interests of member organisations in the development and implementation of national policies and initiatives.