HC Deb 08 July 1992 vol 211 cc249-50W
Mr. Kynoch

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government will publish their response to the Environment Select Committee's second report of Session 1991–92, on coastal zone protection and planning; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

The Government are today publishing their response to the Environment Select Committee's report on coastal zone protection and planning. We welcome the Committee's report as a valuable contribution to the debate on the effective management of our coast.

This country has a record of success in protecting the coast. Two thirds of the coastline of England and Wales is undeveloped arable land, woodland, scrub, pasture or natural habitat. The planning system provides a tried mechanism for the effective resolution of conflict on land which faces pressures from a variety of uses.

It is important that we build on these achievements, to tackle the new issues that are emerging on our coast and to ensure an effective response to the challenges of the next century including pressures of economic growth and increased recreation, the impact of global warming, and demands to respond to our growing knowledge and awareness of the value of the coastal environment.

We already have a substantial programme of work underway to achieve this including: —planning guidance for the coast and a recent policy statement on Heritage coasts; —guidance on responding to sea level rise, and a commitment to develop a national flood and coastal defence strategy; —requirements for environmental assessment of a wide range of coastal developments on land and at sea, and new procedures (under the Transport and Works Act 1992) to control many types of development in inshore waters; —action to reduce coastal pollutants and develop Statutory Water Quality objectives for estuarine and coastal waters; —a commitment to implement the EC Habitats Directive for marine as well as land-based habitats.

Our response to the Committee's report now proposes: —support for multi-agency management plans for estuaries and inshore waters, aimed particularly at coastal recreation activities, and at nature conservation, and a review of local authority powers to control water sports and pleasure boats in inshore waters. —a review of the effectiveness of present regulatory systems controlling construction and development below the low water mark;

The Government will bring forward a discussion paper examining both these issues more fully.

The Government response also includes commitments to maintaining national co-ordination arrangements for coastal policy; reviewing controls over marine aggregates dredging; promoting regional coastal defence strategies; furthering environmentally acceptable coastal defence solutions and developing policies for controlled retreat to create new habitats; and promoting clear agreement on responsibilities for pollution control.

Copies of the Government response are being laid before the House and will be available in the Library.