The Contribution of Spoilt Land to the Sustainable Development of the Coast

This paper considers the contribution that spoilt land can make to the sustainable development of the coast. It defines spoilt land and considers both its current lack of value and its potential. It examines alternative scenarios for the effective re-use of such land, suggesting that the traditional interpretation of effective use is too narrow in relation to the opportunities for re-use of spoilt land in the coastal zone. It suggests that the need to ensure that spoilt land makes the greatest possible contribution to sustainability involves a policy choice. Such a choice requires the adoption of a more strategic, integrated approach to managing coastal land resources. Case studies are used to illustrate both economic and amenity benefits from the re-use of spoilt land.