As part of the ‘Coastwise’ programme, funded through Defra and the Environment Agency’s Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP), North Norfolk District Council commissioned three consultancies to develop Local Coastal Transition Plans (LCTPs) for six communities at risk from coastal erosion. Eunomia was appointed as the independent Learning Partner to synthesise insights from these pilot projects and inform future coastal adaptation policy and practice.
Coastal erosion and flooding present a growing challenge for coastal communities around England, driven by climate change and rising sea levels. By the end of the century, a significant number of homes, critical infrastructure, and heritage sites are projected to be lost, bringing substantial social, economic, and environmental impacts. In areas where traditional flood and coastal defence measures are no longer viable, there is an urgent need for innovative coastal adaptation strategies that help communities build long-term resilience.
LCTPs are an innovative tool in supporting this transition. They enable communities, local authorities, businesses, and infrastructure providers to prepare for coastal change by identifying adaptation pathways, practical actions, and long-term resilience strategies.
Through this research, Eunomia gathered evidence using stakeholder interviews, community engagement, workshops, and local observations. This enabled us to assess how different approaches to coastal transition planning were designed and delivered, and to identify common lessons across the six case studies.
The report explores the key factors that influence successful coastal transition planning, including governance structures, stakeholder engagement, local demographics, and alignment with existing strategic plans. It also sets out the core components of an effective LCTP process – from risk assessment and community visioning through to action planning, delivery mechanisms, monitoring, and evaluation.
Our analysis of the North Norfolk novel experience suggests that there is no single model for coastal transition planning. Instead, successful approaches should be tailored to the local context and community needs. However, the case studies do demonstrate that collating technical evidence, community knowledge, and strategic planning can help communities better understand risks, identify priorities, and develop practical pathways towards adaptation. The research also highlights the importance of meaningful engagement and early actions that build confidence in the planning process.
The insights captured in this report provide valuable guidance for flood and coastal risk management practitioners, local authorities, and policymakers. The findings offer transferable lessons that can support coastal communities across the UK as they prepare for the impacts of climate change and coastal erosion.
