26. 10th April 2018 - 'Find out more about East Devon’s Sidmouth and East Beach Management Scheme at a public exhibition'
On Thursday 19 April 2018, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the background to the outline design for East Devon District Council’s Beach Management Scheme for Sidmouth and East Beach at an exhibition, from 1pm to 7pm at Kennaway House, Sidmouth.
The scheme aims to reduce the risk of flooding to Sidmouth by maintaining the standard of defences along Sidmouth Beach, and to reduce the rate of erosion to the cliffs to the East of the town (and therefore the rate of exposure of the East side of Sidmouth to coastal conditions).
Royal HaskoningDHV will be on hand to answer questions about how they’ve used the more detailed surveys, computer modelling and environmental assessments to help produce the outline design, which is part of the Outline Business Case, which will help secure part of the funding for the scheme to be built.
The preferred option from the Beach Management Plan, which was completed last year, was to add one or possibly two rock groynes on East Beach, modify the River Sid training wall (for improved maintenance access to East Beach), and to recharge (add more shingle) and recycle (move shingle East to West periodically) over the lifetime of the scheme. This has evolved slightly to keep the training wall similar to its present configuration, and improve maintenance access possibly via a ramp, and also to include consideration of raising the height of the existing splash wall.
As part of the public exhibition, East Devon and Royal HaskoningDHV would like to hear ideas from local people as to how the splash wall could be enhanced if it were to be raised – subject to additional funding being available. For example, could seating or artwork be incorporated?
Devon County Council will also be displaying information about the replacement Alma Bridge, in advance of submitting its planning application.
Cllr Tom Wright, Chairman of the BMP steering group, and East Devon’s portfolio holder for the environment, said:
“A lot of effort has gone into bringing forwards a scheme for Sidmouth and East Beach, so it would be great to see local people coming along to learn more about what the scheme could look like and to give us their views.”
Alex Lee, Royal HaskoningDHV project manager said:
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to show people all the work that has been carried out to date to progress the scheme. We’re looking forward to receiving ideas on enhancements that might be incorporated if the splash wall is raised in height.”