Plans to protect coast in Sidmouth approved

A coastal defence scheme in Sidmouth has been approved by the Environment Agency

Clifftop homes and a town's businesses are set to be better protected following the approval of a £20m project to safeguard the coastline of a Devon resort.

The coastal defence scheme at Sidmouth has been rubber-stamped by the Environment Agency with £16m of government funding.

The planned improvements include one or more new offshore breakwaters, a new rock groyne and raising the level of beaches in the Regency resort and at East Beach.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) said the project would protect almost 200 residential and commercial properties from the risks of sea flooding and coastal erosion.

East Beach at Sidmouth is at risk of erosion

The project has been in development for four years with the anticipated budget for the scheme jumping by £5m in July 2022.

Geoff Jung, EDDC’s portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said the funding approval was "fantastic news".

He said: "It has been a massive challenge to provide the maximum protection with the minimum impact to the visually important historic sea frontage."

John Loudoun, EDDC member for Sidmouth Rural, said residents "would be so badly affected" without the coastal defences.

He added the hard work "to make this project a reality" was still to come.

More work will now be carried out on the design of the defences with a public consultation before the project is submitted to the planning process.

EDDC will provide £2.25m of already approved funds for the scheme, with additional contributions from Devon County Council.

East Devon MP Simon Jupp said: "Sidmouth deserves proper coastal flood defences, and this funding will certainly bring much-needed peace of mind to well over 100 residents and businesses."

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have been able to support East Devon District Council with their bid for an improved coastal defence scheme at Sidmouth and East Beach and will continue to support them going forward.”