Calls to speed up repairs to iconic breakwater

Erosion is affecting the seaward base of the wall beneath the buildings

Calls have been made for an early consultation on proposals to ensure the future of a Grade I listed breakwater after a new hole was found.

The Cobb in Lyme Regis is eroding at the seaward base of the wall that supports its buildings.

Dorset Council's harbours consultative committee heard there was uncertainty in the area about the proposals for the next stage of the works and funding for the emergency work has yet to be identified.

Nick Marks, from the Lyme Regis harbour Consultative Group, said: "The uncertainty around the funding is still a major concern as is any further slippage to the programme."

The group has called for an early public consultation on the stabilisation proposals for the fifth and final phase of the town's environmental protection scheme.

The initial Lyme Regis Phase 5 programme was for construction to start in winter 2026, continuing into spring 2027, subject to available funding and gaining the necessary consents for the works.

At this stage, detailed designs for the project have not been completed, with a consultation planned after the summer for Cobb users looking at how their access might be maintained during the works.

The historic Cobb has been subject to erosion from wave impact on the outer harbour wall, which has caused the movement of stone blocks, and the deterioration of the structure on the inner harbour wall.

The Cobb at Lyme Regis is a Grade 1 listed structure

Dorset Council's service manager for coastal protection, Matthew Penny, said that during low tide inspections of the seaward high wall in March and April, officers found "further and ongoing deterioration with large, open, scour voids now present at the base of the seaward structure".

Councillors previously heard that adequate funding was in doubt, which could result in design changes to make the scheme more affordable.

Mr Marks said he had been told there would be public engagement and awareness sessions this year but with no indication when they would be held.

He said: "It is the view of the harbour consultation group that these sessions should be held as a matter of urgency to let the people know what is happening."

Mr Penny said the council had recently submitted a capital bid to the Environment Agency, telling the harbours committee that more financial contributions were needed.

He said further delays were likely to drive up costs, with some funding available in the current financial year from the regional flooding coastal committee, which would pay for design work.

Talks were continuing between Dorset Council, Historic England, Natural England, South West Water and the Environment Agency about the project.