£19.8m for sea defence reinforcement plan approved

Nearly £20m has been earmarked to help reinforce storm-damaged sea defences.

The Environment Agency (EA) approved funding for rock armour between Torcross and Slapton in Devon after parts of the A379 were washed away in February.

The project, set to cost £19.8m, will install the armour consisting of large rocks in front of sea defences between the access steps at the south end of the beach and the slipway at the northern end.

The EA said the project marked a critical and important first step to help reduce the risk to houses and businesses, adding it was "committed to delivering this project as quickly as possible".

"We are working at pace with our contractors on design, materials and securing the necessary consents," a spokesperson said.

"We will be holding a joint public event with Devon County Council and South Hams District Council before the summer to provide a further update on progress."

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden said the funding was "really great news" as it would offer increased protection in front of the sea wall.

The Liberal Democrat added the amount of rock being installed would mean most of the area of beach in front of the buildings where the work will take place is set to disappear.

"It will change it and it won't be as pretty as having the beach there in front of the properties," she said.

"But in terms of protecting the properties, it's absolutely vital and I think the view of the village and my priority has been protecting those houses and businesses along the front.

"There's a very long beach a bit further up, so people will just have to walk a little bit further up."

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