L-R: Steve Donnelly (South West Flood and Coastal), Tony Burch (Advisory Group), Andrew Hancock (EDDC), Tom Buxton-Smith (EDDC), Cllr Geoff Jung (EDDC), Cllr Ian Barlow (EDDC), Cllr Hilary Nelson (Sidmouth Town Council), Cllr Chris Lockyear (Sidmouth Town Council), Steve Kershaw (South West Flood and Coastal).
East Devon District Council (EDDC) has appointed Boskalis Westminster Limited for the design and construction of the Sidmouth and East Beach coastal defence scheme which will help protect the seafront, properties and infrastructure from flooding and coastal erosion for the next 100 years.
The £21 million project is being developed in partnership with EDDC, South West Flood and Coastal, the Environment Agency, Devon County Council, and Sidmouth Town Council.
The contractor appointment follows a competitive tendering process, where the scheme will now progress to the detailed design stage. This will include further technical work, gaining necessary consents and engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the final design features.
Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for Environment – Operations at East Devon District Council, said:
“Appointing a supplier to develop the detailed design is a major step forward for the Sidmouth and East Beach Coastal Defence Scheme. The milestone brings us closer to protecting Sidmouth’s coastline, homes, and businesses for the long term.
“We will continue working with partners and the local community to shape a scheme that delivers lasting protection while respecting the character of the town.”
The proposed scheme, selected following previous public consultations, is a hybrid scheme featuring new offshore breakwaters, beach renourishments, a 120-metre groyne, improved flood gates, splash wall improvements, beach access ramps and repairs to the River Sid wall.
A spokesperson from Boskalis Westminster Limited said:
“Boskalis Westminster Ltd. are excited to be taking forward the design, consenting and construction of the upgraded sea defences for Sidmouth and East Beach.
“We are committed to working closely with EDDC, South West Flood and Coastal, and the local community to ensure that the completed scheme not only provides enhanced coastal defence but is also sympathetic to the needs of residents and UNESCO World Heritage site at East Beach.”
It is anticipated that Stage 1 will be complete, subject to approvals, in the Autumn of 2027. Based on the outcome, it would then move to Stage 2 which would include final preparations and the construction phase.
