Coast Clear for Stronger Flood and Erosion Protection in the South West

Stronger, more cost-effective flood and coastal protection is set for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole after a Cabinet decision. A shared South West service, launched with East Devon in 2024, is boosting expertise, funding bids and project delivery.

The coast is clear for stronger and more cost-effective flood and coastal erosion protection across the county, following a decision by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s Cabinet.

BCP’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) team work to minimise risk and disruption as a result of flooding and coastal erosion across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

In May 2024, East Devon District Council (EDDC) was the first to join BCP in a new South West Flood & Coastal (SWFaC) shared service, creating a centre of expertise in FCERM and hosted by BCP Council.

Since then, the team has seen great success in bidding for and delivering a multitude of projects across the shared service area, as well as supporting other risk management authorities in the South West.

Seeing the clear benefits this work brings for residents, Dorset Council’s Cabinet recently voted to join the shared service, and BCP Council’s Cabinet voted to approve this request.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council Cabinet Member for climate response, environment and energy, said

“Our team in BCP have worked hard on protecting people, their property and our coastline from flooding and coastal erosion. The shared service has enabled us to deliver a range of high-quality FCERM projects by making best use of central government funding.

“Having Dorset joining BCP and East Devon will strengthen this service at a time when the work they do has never been more important. It will increase our ability to monitor our changing coast, and to access more investment, deliver climate resilience for our residents and reduce reliance on external consultancy support.

“People living in Dorset, East Devon and BCP will benefit from an increased ability to bid for grant funding to deliver more projects and better long-term protection across the South West; whether they live in Seaton, Swanage, or Southbourne.”

Dorset Council's Cabinet member for Place services, Cllr Jon Andrews, said:

“As this winter has shown, Dorset is already feeling the impact of more frequent and more intense weather events, and we must act decisively to protect our residents, our economy and our coastline.

“By joining this shared service we are strengthening our flood and coastal defence services and increasing our access to experts and national funding.

"Being a full partner strengthens collaboration with neighbouring authorities and the Environment Agency, enhances community resilience and ensures a more consistent, well resourced service right across Dorset."

East Devon Council Portfolio Holder for environment, Councillor Geoff Jung, said:

“With our common coastal protection and flooding concerns, a joint service between ourselves in East Devon together with Dorset, and BCP councils makes perfect sense.

“The joined up approach and combined expertise, has already proved to be a great benefit to East Devon DC.

“The broader expertise within the shared service will bring further benefits to protecting both people`s properties and our "World Heritage" designated coast from the challenges of our changing climate."