Coastal Protection

The Lime Kiln at Jacobs Ladder, Sidmouth

East Devon enjoys a coastline of some 40km. The Council owns substantial lengths of cliffs and beaches along this coast as well as structures such as sea walls, break waters, groynes, outfalls, slip ways and piers. It is responsible for the maintenance and improvement where appropriate of all of these structures and for ensuring the safety of the public when using these facilities.

In recent years, the Council has carried out:

  • The construction of off-shore break-waters and rock groynes and carried out beach replenishment works at Sidmouth to provide protection to the sea wall  and to reduce the risk of the town being flooded by the sea.
  • Repairs and improvements to the quay walls at Axmouth Harbour.
  • Refurbishment of the Check House sea wall at Seaton (West Esplanade).
  • Construction of West Walk, Seaton.
  • Rock armour erosion protection at Seaton Hole.
  • Cliff stabilisation works at Beer.
  • Construction of the “Millenium Walkway “ at Clifton Beach, Sidmouth.
  • Jacobs Ladder rock revetment.
  • Improvements to gabion sea wall at Budleigh Salterton.
  • Construction of a slipway at Orcombe Point, Exmouth and refurbishment of timber groynes.
  • Repairs and strengthening of the foundations to The Octagon and The Abode of Love at Exmouth.
  • Extension to Mamhead slipway.
  • Repairs and strengthening to the Exmouth Sea Wall.

The Council is also carrying out a study, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, Teignbridge District Council and Natural England, of the coastal processes in and around the Exe Estuary. The objective of this study is to identify options for implementing a sustainable beach management plan for both Exmouth Sea Front and Dawlish Warren. This work is being funded by Defra, and is expected to be completed by the spring of 2008.

The Council is also working with Defra, the Environment Agency and neighbouring District Councils to develop and implement strategies for the management of the coastal zone, including the control and prevention, where appropriate, of coastal erosion and flooding.