A major initiative aimed at preserving a key section of the Jurassic Coast at Seaton Hole has overcome funding challenges to move forward. The £2.2 million project, designed to reduce coastal erosion and prevent dangerous cliff falls in East Devon, faced potential delays due to timing issues with government funding.
To avoid a delay of up to a year—which would have increased costs and possibly required additional fundraising—the East Devon District Council has approved a temporary £673,000 funding bridge. This short-term loan will be repaid once the Environment Agency releases its pledged contribution, allowing essential early purchases such as the 7,000 tonnes of rock needed for the coastal defenses.
Council officers explained that the release of government funds depends on securing planning permission, which is still pending but expected soon. The temporary funding ensures the project maintains momentum despite this uncertainty.
READ MORE: Charming Seaside Town Boasts the UK’s Smallest Pier
READ MORE: Somerset’s Coastal B3191 Road Faces Permanent Closure Amid Funding Shortfall
Councillor Nick Hookway, responsible for tourism, emphasized the importance of the scheme: “The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site and part of the South West Coast Path. Protecting it is vital for both residents and visitors.”
Local representatives echoed this sentiment. Councillor Dan Ledger expressed strong support for the project, while Councillor Paul Hayward highlighted the long-standing impact of erosion on Seaton’s community, noting that residents near Old Beer Road have witnessed the damage for over a decade. Hayward called the funding arrangement a “no-brainer.”
Seaton’s coastline is known for its instability. A significant landslip at Seaton Hole in 2012 received nationwide attention, and just recently, the Beer Coastguard Rescue Team advised the public to avoid the cliffs east of the River Axe near Axe Cliff golf course due to safety concerns.
The coastal protection scheme officially began after a proposal to the Environment Agency in 2021 and aims to preserve 41 homes, businesses, and critical parts of Seaton’s shoreline between Seaton Hole beach and the Check House. Oversight is provided by the South West Flood and Coastal (SWFaC) partnership, a collaborative effort between East Devon and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councils.
Financial support for the project has come from multiple sources including SWFaC, East Devon District Council, the Environment Agency, Devon County Council, and Seaton Town Council, reaffirming the shared commitment to protecting this iconic stretch of coastline.