2B.12A: Littoral Cells

• The coastline can be divided up into littoral cells and each cell managed as an integrated unit. 


  • In England and Wales there are 11 sediment cells.
  • Each cell is managed either as a whole unit or a sub-unit. 
  • In both cases a plan called a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is used.
  • The SMP area is further divided into sub-cells. 
  • SMPs extend across council boundaries, so many councils must work together on an agreed SMP to manage an extended stretch of coastline.