Lead Authority
East Devon District Council
Contractor
Budget
£1.4 million
Project start date
22 September 2025
Anticipated Completion
End November
Page Last Updated
27 November 2025
The works area
Essential work to reduce the risk of cliff erosion has taken place along 600 metres of Seaton Hole beach towards West Walk Promenade.
This £1.4 million scheme saw approximately 6,500 tonnes of Norwegian rock being delivered by sea at high tide during September. The new rock boulders, each weighing around 5-8 tonnes have been moved up the beach to strengthen and widen the existing rock armour at the cliff base. The life-expired gabion baskets and concrete wall have been removed and replaced with the large protective rocks, and repairs have been made to the Check House seawall. The private stepped access to the beach remains unchanged.
Rock is delivered to the beach by barge at high tide
Rock is delivered to the beach by barge at high tide
Boulders are offloaded by crane
Boulders are offloaded by crane
Loading the dumptruck with offloaded boulders
Loading the dumptruck with offloaded boulders
Boulders are transported along the beach, tipped and sorted
Boulders are transported along the beach, tipped and sorted
Coastal icon is retained for the community
A much-loved tree, which settled on Seaton Beach years ago due to cliff erosion, has become a familiar and frequently photographed landmark. Recognising its local significance, key partners worked together to move the tree so it can be preserved and transformed into a community artwork. This will ensure its story continues as part of Seaton’s coastal heritage..
Why the works were needed
Over the next 50 years, 37 homes and 4 non-residential buildings, are at risk of coastal erosion. Seaton Hole has a steep pebble beach and unstable red sandstone cliffs which are vulnerable to erosion and landslides. If we did nothing, these cliffs could erode by up to 1m each year.
The original defences were either life-expired or not of an adequate size to absorb wave energy and reduce wave damage to the base of the cliffs so they needed to be repaired and upgraded.
Properties at risk of coastal erosion above Seaton Hole
Beach access & working hours
Seaton Hole beach & cliffs
While we aim to minimise disruption, some areas of the beach will need to be closed temporarily for safety reasons. Large machinery will be operating on the beach so please keep your distance and keep dogs on leads. Please do not climb on or walk near the rocks as they are not secured.
Pedestrian diversion routes will also be in place at West Walk promenade. Local businesses will be open as usual and accessible throughout.
Environmental considerations
Rock deliveries avoided the Lyme Bay to Torbay Special Area of Conservation located to the western end of the site. This environmental designation is due to the nearshore rocky and cobble reefs which support dense kelp communities.
Other permissions were granted for these from the Local Planning Authority, Marine Management Organisation, the Environment Agency and UNESCO World Heritage were satisfied the works would not adversely impact the site’s Outstanding Universal Natural Value.