Representatives from organisations from the public, private and voluntary sector discussed plans, current activity and shared enthusiasm for the future of the coastline.

The event was made possible through Essex County Council’s links with Sustainable Coastal Development - a European Union co-funded project that, with the council, is enabling integrated activity between coastal decision makers and stakeholders within Essex.

County Councillor Tracey Chapman, who chaired the event, said: “Essex has a coastline of approximately 350 miles; one of the longest in the country. It is vitally important that events like this are held so we can work together to protect and improve Essex’s coastline. It was a great opportunity to meet so many people that share the county council’s passion in ensuring a future for the coastline in Essex.”

The keynote speech was given by Peter Bide of the Department for Communities and Local Government. He discussed the Draft National Planning Policy Framework and focused on key points such as flooding and coastal erosion. This was an important presentation because councils were in the process of responding to the consultation on this draft framework 

A presentation was also given by the Marine Management Organisation on marine planning. The organisation is developing marine planning areas across the country and it discussed what this would mean for Essex.

Further presentations were given by Natural England, Essex Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, Open Space, Essex Coast Organisation, RSPB and Tendring District Council alongside the Naze Protection Society. Each of these gave important information on various aspects of coastline management and protection.

Councillor Chapman added: “It was an extremely useful exercise in coastline management. By looking at the wide range of attendees and the topics that each presentation covered, it shows that there are lots of aspects to consider and partners to work with. It was great that we could all come together to discuss the goals we need to reach in order to protect and improve the vast coastline in Essex.”