Coastal defence work pushed back to 2027

The project is being developed to protect properties from the risks of sea flooding and cliff erosion

The start date for a £21m coastal defence scheme has been pushed back to 2027 due to "various delays", a council has said.

East Devon District Council said the project would help protect Sidmouth town and seafront from flooding and erosion for the next 100 years.

The project was originally due to begin this year but the council said "a number of factors" had caused delays, including discussions around planning and "various delays due to contractor and staff resources".

Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: "The team is confident that good planning and teamwork will ensure the project succeeds in protecting Sidmouth's coast."

He said they "recognise how important this coastal defence scheme is for the people of Sidmouth".

"We're fully committed to moving ahead positively, and we're grateful for the continued support from our community, local councils, and partners," he added.

The project, which includes the area between Jacob's Ladder and East Beach, was originally due to begin this year.

In August 2024 the council announced delays, saying the project was due to begin in around two years' time.

A tendering process is set to begin later in the summer, with the company chosen to carry out the work set to be appointed by the end of the year.

Once the chosen contractor has been appointed, the project will move onto the design stage, with local residents and stakeholder groups consulted.

East Devon Distict Council is working alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils to form the South West Flood and Coastal (SWFC) team.

A project board made up of representatives from the council, the Environment Agency and other key partners is also overseeing the delivery of the project and its funding.

The council said the preferred option for the scheme, chosen following community consultation, is a hybrid one involving breakwaters and increasing the level of shingle on the beach, known as recharging.

A "super groyne", which is a barrier going from the beach to the sea, is to be built on East beach or a possible offshore breakwater could be built, which would be designed specifically to retain shingle.

The scheme will include work at East beach designed to help protect properties on Cliff Road, which are vulnerable to erosion

The new shared SWFC service would provide sufficient officer and specialist support to this important scheme moving forward, they added.

They said plans for a splash wall, which is a secondary coastal defensive wall, was to be re-evaluated and re-considered, following further careful studies.

"This option will save money in the long run while protecting homes and businesses in the area from floods, risks of rising sea levels, impacts of climate change and erosion for years to come," they said.

The project has been funded by the Environment Agency, local councils and community groups.