Sidmouth and East Beach Coastal Defence Scheme 2026-2029

A major £21 million coastal defence scheme designed to protect Sidmouth town and East Beach from erosion and flooding for the next 100 years.

Project overview

The Sidmouth town frontage has a long history of construction and maintenance of flood and coastal erosion risk management schemes, dating back to the 18th century. These coastal defences protect a large number of residential and commercial properties at risk of flooding in the low-lying Sidmouth town centre area. The Beach Management Plan, undertaken for East Devon District Council in 2017, identified a long-term preferred option to address coastal flooding and erosion.

Proposed Scheme Features

This £21 million coastal defence scheme will help protect Sidmouth’s seafront, including areas between Chit Rocks and East Beach, from flooding and coastal erosion for the next 100 years. The proposed scheme, which was selected following previous public consultations, is a hybrid scheme featuring:

• New offshore breakwaters
• Beach recharge on Town Beach and East Beach
• New 120m groyne to the east of East Beach
• Improvement/replacement of existing splash wall foundations to accommodate future wall alterations
• Improved flood gates on the Esplanade
• New access ramp at the eastern end of Town Beach
• New demountable defences at the eastern end of Town Beach to enable access to new ramp
• Repairs and improvements to the River Sid wall

Scheme delivery

The scheme will be delivered in two stages. In July 2026, Boskalis Westminster Ltd was appointed, to progress it to Stage 1. This phase includes further technical work, gaining consents and continued engagement with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the final design features.

Funding

To date, the project has raised more than £21million from Environment Agency Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA), local councils including Devon County Council, and Sidmouth Town Council, and community organisations.

Scheme aims

The Sidmouth and East Beach Coastal Defence Scheme has six main aims:

1. Maintain the 1990s Sidmouth Coastal Defence Scheme Standard of Service, particularly focusing on recycling and recharging Sidmouth Beach.
2. Reduce the rate of erosion at East Beach, helping to protect the cliffs and properties above.
3. Improve the resilience of Sidmouth’s seafront and town against coastal flooding and erosion over the next 100 years.
4. Deliver a technically, economically, and environmentally viable scheme that aligns with national funding requirements and local priorities.
5. Minimise adverse impacts on the environment, including designated sites such as the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and local conservation areas.
6. Engage with the local community and stakeholders to ensure the scheme reflects local needs and values.