Groundworks Autumn 2006

Groundworks

A regular look at the work of coastal partnerships

Real community involvement in decision-making Throughout the UK a recurring problem when managing the coast is a lack of trust and understanding between the community and external agencies responsible for decision making. This problem has been keenly felt in the case of the flood management strategy reviews that the Environment Agency is conducting around the country. It’s clear that communication and consultation are vital for new planning and management but, how do we go about this? The Estuary Planning Partnership set up in Suffolk is an excellent example of public engagement in the local issue of flood management, giving real empowerment to individuals. Erin Pettifer speaks to Bill Parker about this partnership.

Why was this partnership set up? The Alde and Ore on the Suffolk coast is protected through a range of international and national designations and is greatly valued by local people. The community was

Shingle Street, The Alde-Ore Estuary, Suffolk.

concerned that the interests of those who live by, work or use the river for recreation were not being adequately represented in flood management reviews taking place in the area. In 2002, The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Unit obtained an independent perspective from external consultants with a key recommendation to provide a forum for local communities and statutory authorities to communicate.

Who’s involved? The partnership is made up of over 20 organisations. The steering group, led by Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit, includes volunteers representing local towns and parishes, sailing clubs and lobby groups as well as representatives from government agencies, landowners and conservation bodies. Initial funding came from the Alde and Ore Association, Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit and Suffolk Coastal District Council among others.

Having a paid estuary officer to support the group has been essential, enabling more to be achieved. The officer delivers any actions identified by the group, brings in experience from other estuaries and expertise in coastal management, and acts as an advocate for the Partnership.

Value of the Estuary Planning Partnership for the Alde and Ore “…a key role in improving communication and understanding between all those who live near, work on or enjoy the estuary…..”. David Andren, The Alde and Ore Association.

What key things have made the partnership a success? 1 2 3

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What is the value of the group? The group acts as a discussion forum and facilitates the exchange of information about estuary issues between the community and the decision makers. The analogy is that it acts as an old fashioned telephone exchange, making connections and managing the communication of information. The partnership has improved understanding of the issues and facts and encouraged people to see things from others’ viewpoints. It has also prompted innovative thinking and enabled a wide range of people to be involved in decision-making and genuinely drive forward issues.

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External perspective sought. Spent year working towards consensus on group’s remit. Wider community endorsement and support sought through a community conference. Meetings and the partnership in general run in an open and honest manner, and everyone’s views heard. Met on neutral ground. Ensured real tasks to take forward after meetings. Interested community members used to drive group forward. Time spent brainstorming who ought to be involved to ensure all unterests represented.

The Estuary Planning Partnership is a model for real community involvement but it is not without its costs and it is a long-term investment. If it can retain its credibility, at the local level and with the wider agencies, it should have a future but will the commitment from the various ‘powers’ stay the course? The edge Autumn 2006

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