East Devon District Council (EDDC) has agreed the next steps for Connaught Cliff and the Millennium Walkway in Sidmouth, regarding repair work in the Jacobs Ladder area.
EDDC Cabinet has agreed to carry out further investigations into long-term options for Connaught Cliff, with a working group also being set up between EDDC and Sidmouth Town Council. The council will also investigate whether a temporary structure could be installed cost-effectively so the Millennium Walkway can reopen before the main repair work starts.
Alongside this, work will begin at the end of June to install new beach huts at Jacobs Ladder, with other updates on planned repairs and improvements so residents and visitors know what to expect over the coming months.
Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said: “We know how important the Jacobs Ladder, Millennium Walkway and Connaught Gardens area is to residents, businesses and visitors, so it is right that we take the time to investigate the best long-term solution while also exploring whether the walkway can be reopened before the main work starts. This update also sets out the wider programme of repairs and improvements at Jacobs Ladder, including the installation of new beach huts, so people have a clearer picture of what is planned.”
Connaught Cobblestone Wall: A wide range of long-term options with a design life of at least 75 years have been considered including treating the wall with spray concrete, or removing the wall safely and regrading the area into a slope landwards into Connaught Gardens. Due to the unsuitability of options and the disruption to events scheduled to take place in Connaught Gardens, EDDC Cabinet have decided to undertake further investigations to provide the best value for money solution and be able to consult with local residents and groups. The work will be scheduled to take place early in 2027, so that the area can be open to visitors for summer 2027. It was also agreed that increased security with the use of CCTV be installed to keep people safe and dissuade entrants from entering the area under the cliff.
Cabinet agreed to set up a working group with EDDC and Sidmouth Town Council, with a report on progress in October to Cabinet and to be considered for next year’s budget (2027-28).
Beach huts: Work to install the new beach huts at Jacobs Ladder is due to begin at the end of June. The scheme is scheduled to be completed by the end of July, when occupants will be able to move in.
Seawall and slipway: Assessments suggest that a precast solution is likely to provide a longer-lasting repair than spray concrete, so this work is expected to be scheduled for the off-peak season. In the meantime, patch repairs will be carried out and the most exposed reinforcing bar removed during June, once a start date has been confirmed.
Railings: Work started on Wednesday 3rd June on replacing the railings, and removing of the temporary fencing following a procurement exercise.
Jacobs Ladder structure: The council is awaiting specialist advice and cost estimates for what is likely to be a full replacement. Survey results are needed to confirm the size of the replacement parts, and listed building consent is also likely to be required. Because the work would affect much of the platform area, it is more likely to be scheduled for the off-peak season when beach huts are not occupied.
Kiosk steps: A tender will be issued when design work has been completed.
The council will continue to keep residents updated as timescales are confirmed and work progresses.
Unique opportunity to help shape the future of Heavitree and Whipton
Exmouth RNLI help teenagers cut off by rising tide
Heavitree paddling pools set to reopen
Lord Mayor of Exeter’s Commendation Awards
Exeter the most active authority in the country…and that’s official
Royal Navy Mourns Three Personnel Killed in Helicopter Training Exercise
Why are the Canadians better at celebrating Devon Day?.
Exmouth gas upgrade work set to start
Historic Royal Navy Fairey Swordfish joins Regatta Airshow
Your views needed on culture in Exeter and the future of the city centre
EHCP funding framework phased implementation starts
New £12m Centre for Law and Social Sciences opens
Resident doctor national industrial action - June 2026
Exeter backs new support service for Ukrainian residents
County Council wants clean water
Three Royal Navy Personnel Killed in Devon Helicopter Crash
