HECAG SMP2 Project Area

Background

The HECAG SMP2 covers the coastline from Flamborough Head in the East Riding of Yorkshire to Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire, including the outer Humber Estuary.

The coastline within the SMP area includes three distinct areas. The coastline in the north is typified by soft, eroding cliffs. Defences protect towns such as Bridlington, Hornsea, Mappleton, Withernsea and Easington, but the undefended parts of the coastline are eroding. The floodplain of the outer Humber Estuary includes some of the most productive agricultural land in the UK and major concentrations of industrial and commercial properties including important power stations. Over 400,000 people live or work in the floodplain area. The Lincolnshire coastline has coastal defences protecting extensive areas of low-lying land. There are numerous environmentally important areas which are protected, reflecting the importance of Lincolnshire’s coastal habitats.

There is some overlap between the areas covered by the SMP and the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy. The Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy covers the coastline from just south of Easington to Saltfleet and extends into the Humber beyond the SMP area. For further information on the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy, please call the Humber Strategies Team on 0870 8506 506 or email them at humber.strategy@environment-agency.gov.uk.