East Devon District Council’s Cabinet has taken a key step forward to progress the Seaton Hole Coast Protection Scheme by recommending upfront investment. A final decision will be made by the Full Council on 18 June 2025.
At last night's meeting, Cabinet recommended approval of up to £673,500 funding to give the best chance of progressing the rock purchase and delivery this year. However, risks such as barge availability, weather and sea state mean that the timing of the scheme is not guaranteed. The decision is critical to help reduce delays and cost increases. The proposed scheme aims to reduce coastal erosion at Seaton Hole, minimizsing the risk of cliff falls. The project includes increasing the volume of existing rock armour at the base of the cliffs, upgrading gabion baskets, and maintaining the current seawall.
Financial Challenges and Timing Constraints
Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Grant in Aid funding of £2.227 million has already been approved by the Environment Agency. However, to meet our current programme, 7,000 tonnes of rock must be delivered by sea by September.
Cllr Geoff Jung, EDDC Portfolio Holder for Environment – Operational, said:
“To minimise the risk of coastal erosion at Seaton Hole, we are pushing hard to deliver this vital scheme during this financial year. It is not uncommon for large coastal schemes, such as this, to progress with some 'at risk' spending while admin procedures to accept the assured Government funding catch up, and this is expected by July. Approval from Council will allow us to push ahead and order the new rock to ensure best value for money now, as delays may result in higher costs being incurred next year.”
Cllr Paul Arnott, EDDC Leader, said:
“I’m very pleased to be able to give my backing to this urgent work to protect Seaton and I want to thank local residents for their patience with any disruptions it may cause.”
Next Steps
If approved by Full Council on 18 June 2025, the funding will allow EDDC to secure the required rock and arrange delivery by ship, helping to ensure work can begin. East Devon District Council is confident planning permission will be granted, as no major issues were raised during the pre-application process.
For more information on the project, please read the Cabinet report: Seaton Coast Protection Scheme.pdf.
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