Upgraded coastal defences for Seaton one step closer

Plans are developing for a coastal protection scheme in Seaton that will better protect 41 homes, businesses, and the town’s coastline from erosion.

Construction is planned to begin in 2025. The scheme will involve improving a 400-metre length of existing rock armour along the foot of the cliffs at Seaton Hole Beach, and repairing the existing Check House seawall.

More than £500,000 in grant funding has been secured from the Environment Agency, with East Devon District Council (EDDC) allocating £250,000 towards the project. Additional funds from Devon County Council and Seaton Town Council have also been provided to support the scheme.

Local coastal defence specialists will be invited to tender for the works this spring, with the aim to start construction in summer 2025.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country, and Environment, said:

"Like all other communities on the coast, Seaton is becoming more and more susceptible to coastal change due to our changing climate. More storms, higher rainfall, are clearly having a serious effect on our beaches and cliffs."

"We are continually reviewing with other stakeholders such as the Environment Agency and the Town Council regarding the whole seafront. This section from Seaton Hole beach to the Check House is critical to protect a number of properties and we hope to start on this section next year."