Aerial view of Exmouth seafront
Exmouth seafront

Exmouth’s residents, and visitors, are being invited to share their thoughts on three options to manage coastal flooding and erosion risks from Orcombe Point to Exmouth Marina, by East Devon District Council (EDDC).

These three options were identified from a longer list by engaging with local stakeholders. They looked at how suitable these options would be in terms of engineering, as well as environmental impact, and financial costs.

Option one (The National Economic Leading Option) is the ‘most cost-beneficial’ option in terms of securing government funding. Option two (The Local Aspirational Leading Option), identified through engagement with local stakeholders, is forecast to deliver wider benefits. Option three (The Back-up Option), is the current approach to managing coastal flooding and erosion risks, involving small-scale repair and maintenance of existing sea defences.

Options one and two would require construction work around 2035. Consultation feedback at this early stage will help guide the Exmouth BMP team’s approach in the years ahead. The team aims to secure funding during that time for a solution as close to the first or second proposed option as possible. These two options are expected to offer stronger protection for the award-winning beach and the highly popular neighbouring visitor attractions.

Read more about the three options on the Exmouth BMP Update consultation website.

Share your feedback on the consultation website before the deadline of 5pm on Monday 10 February 2025. Anyone unable to complete the consultation online can request a paper copy, by phoning 01404 515 616, or emailing exmouthbmp@eastdevon.gov.uk.

Come along to the drop-in event to find out more about the project at Exmouth Town Hall on Tuesday 26 November 2024 between 2pm – 7pm. Representatives from Exmouth BMP’s project team will answer questions about the proposed options for securing Exmouth seafront’s long-term future.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country, and Environment, and Chair of the Exmouth BMP Steering Group, said:

“Exmouth has a wonderful sandy beach, which due to its location at the mouth of the river Exe is constantly changing. Climate change with rising sea levels and changing weather patterns together with the ever-changing tidal flows, continually alter the beach profile. Sand-dunes have come and gone, beach levels rise and fall, and sections of the seawall have recently had to be replaced.

“Managing this dynamic ever changing coastal strip is challenging, and as the beach is a key asset to East Devon’s largest town, which is a major tourist destination, EDDC engineers and their consultants are planning ahead.  They are reviewing how to manage the beach, together with the current sea defences, and by working with the nature, to help retain the amenity and character of the beach and seafront for both residents and visitors.”

“Please take this opportunity to have your say in this important conversation.”