Conservationists and erosion experts will today unveil their visions of how the north Suffolk coastline might change over the next 100 years.

Protecting popular beaches in Southwold and shoring up defences around Lowestoft harbour are among the proposals being put forward in the new shoreline management plan (SMP) for the coast from Lowestoft down to Felixstowe.

The scheme has taken more than two years to create and is available for public consultation from today.

The SMP looks at the risks of erosion and flooding along the coast and also considers where defences need to be strengthened or where erosion should be allowed to continue over the next 100 years.

The plan involves protecting Lowestoft Ness and the harbour around Lake Lothing, and continuing with existing defences along the resort’s South Beach to keep the sand and sediment in place

In Pakefield, the plan for managed retreat – allowing for controlled erosion – will help to maintain some sediment in front of the cliffs.

Further south in Kessingland, the existing flood defence along the levels would be moved back to ensure that the A12 Lowestoft to Ipswich road is protected from flooding.

Eroding cliffs between Kessingland and Southwold would help to maintain the beach at the popular seaside resort, but could increase the risks for the village of Covehithe, which is on top of the sandy cliff north of Southwold.

Waveney and Suffolk Coastal District Councils, and the Environment Agency, have worked together to come up with the plan, which will now undergo three months of public consultation so that coastal communities can have their say.

Greg Guthrie, who has helped to draw up the consultation document for consultants Royal Haskoning, said: “We have to work hard to create a balance between maintaining things where we can to support the overall economic welfare of the region and protecting the communities, landscape and nature along the coast.

“This is a fascinating stretch of coast and we’re sure we have come up with something which works for as many people as possible.”

The SMP documents are available at www.suffolksmp2.org.uk and there is an online questionnaire for people to give comments. The consultation closes on September 30.

Public exhibitions, where those involved in the SMP will be on hand to answer questions, will be held at the Stella Peskett Millennium Hall in Southwold on Saturdayfrom 12pm to 5pm, at Kessingland Church Hall on Tuesday July 7, from 2pm to 7pm, at the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Visitor Centre, Walberswick, on Wednesday July 8 from 2pm to 7pm and at Aldeburgh Church Hall on Friday July 17 from 2pm to 7pm.

Story by Halyley Mace in the Eastern Daily Press