Sidmouth sea defence plan moves forward

PLANS for new sea defences at East Beach in Sidmouth have taken a step forward, after councillors agreed to proposals that could eliminate the need for a controversial ‘splash wall’ on the Devon town’s seafront.

New options for sea defences became available in April, when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) offered the council extra money.

At the time, East Devon District Council’s Cabinet put an existing £9 million scheme on hold, as previously dismissed options potentially became affordable. The council now has up to £14 million to spend.

In the last six months, consultants at Royal Haskoning DHV, a Netherlands-based engineering company, have explored options to see what is now feasible. This included an extra set of rock islands similar to two already near the seafront, which were part of a ‘preferred option’ considered by residents in public consultations.

Previously, a cheaper metrehigh concrete sea wall along the Esplanade at East Beach was considered, but many people feared it would turn into an eyesore.

The extra funds means the council could potentially splash the cash on the more expensive, but better-looking, rock islands which would help to reduce the size of waves hitting the shore and therefore reduce the size of sea walls needed. The number of rock islands would be decided later, when it is known how much they would cost. Officers warn that, although two islands would be preferred, it would push the council’s budget to its limits.

Martin Davies, from the Environment Agency, has warned of rising construction costs, saying: “I think there’s a real imperative to get on with it, putting it bluntly.”