Planning Policy Wales - Brecon Beacons National Park

development, those subject to significant constraints and those considered to be unsuitable for
development. Areas subject to constraints or considered unsuitable for development may include
those where conservation or enhancement of the natural and historic environment requires
development to be limited, where visual intrusion will need carefully to be considered and where
there may be risks of erosion, flooding or land instability. In other areas the economic potential of
the coast may be unlocked in a sustainable manner 45 .
5.7 Development plans and the coast
5.7.1 In preparing their development plans local planning authorities will be expected to take
into account other plans and policies with implications for the coastal area. They will need to
consider landward and seaward pressures - and the impacts of these pressures - on coastal systems.
Landward pressures may include major developments on the coast, port and harbour works,
leisure and recreational facilities, wind power generation or coastal defences. Seaward pressures
may include waste disposal, sea fishing, increased leisure sailing, dredging of navigable channels,
water sports and bathing, marine aggregates extraction or tidal and wave power generation.
The impacts associated with such activities can be widespread and may relate to inappropriate land
use, pressure for services and facilities, and impacts on existing businesses and employment as well
as on the natural and historic character of the coastline.
5.7.2 Development plans should normally only propose coastal locations for development which
needs to be on the coast 46 . In particular, the undeveloped coast will rarely be the most appropriate
location for development. Where new development requires a coastal location the developed
coast will normally provide the best option, provided that due regard is paid to the risks of erosion,
flooding or land instability.
5.7.3 Proposed developments of national or regional importance that require a coastal location
should be included in the development plan.
5.7.4 Policies should aim to protect or enhance the character and landscape of the undeveloped
coastline. Planning policies to be pursued in Heritage Coast areas should be incorporated in
development plans. Designation as a heritage coast does not directly affect the status of the area in
planning terms. However, the features which contributed to the designation of such areas may be
important in formulating planning polices or making development control decisions.
5.7.5 In low-lying, undeveloped coastal areas, options for coastal defence may include a policy of
managed set back 47 . Shoreline management plans will establish long-term local policy frameworks
for the management of coastal risk 48 . The priorities contained within them should influence and
inform the preparation of development plans (see also Sections13.2 to 13.4).
5.7.6 For estuaries and parts of the open coast, local planning authorities and other agencies
and interest groups may cooperate to prepare estuary or coastal management plans. These should
complement and be consistent with development policies.
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Planning Policy Wales Edition 3 - July 2010 - Chapter 5 Conserving and Improving
Natural Hertiage and the Coast