The National Trust urges local planning authorities to hold back further development, and at the same time is increasing its efforts to buy and safeguard important coastal land for further generations.

Urbanised coastline
Housing sprawl has occurred particularly on the south coast of England.

From Dover to Bournemouth much of the coastline has been urbanised for a length of more than 145 miles.

According to a study, recently commissioned by the National Trust, more than 230 miles of Britain's coastline have been lost (mostly to housing) since 1965.

Unless urgent action is taken, coastal areas will be endangered by further urban development, screening the landscape and reducing access. Construction work will also usually harm or destroy local natural habitats (though it may provide some different habitats that species can colonise).