Cliff erosion prevention scheme to go ahead after council investment
The funds for the scheme were brought forward by East Devon District Council
Plans for a major cliff erosion prevention scheme have been moved forward after funding was pushed through.
East Devon District Council said that it would approve nearly £700,000 worth of investment to help protect Seaton Hole in the east of the county.
At a meeting on Wednesday (June 4th), the Council's cabinet recommended the approval of a total of £673,500 worth of funding to help conserve the rock face and prevent landslips.
Due to coastal erosion, homes and beach users have been left in danger as the rock face gradually erodes, making the area unsafe to visit or live.
As part of the plan to tackle the erosion, East Devon District Council said they would need to bring 7,000 tones of rock to the area by September - by boat alone.
The council said the decision to move the funding forward was critical to ensure the landscape remains protected.
Speaking on the decision, the council's environment minister Cllr Geoff Jung, said the authority was "pushing hard" to have the scheme in place by this year.
"It is not uncommon for large coastal schemes, such as this, to progress with some 'at risk' spending while admin procedures to accept the assured Government funding catch up, and this is expected by July," he said.
"Approval from Council will allow us to push ahead and order the new rock to ensure best value for money now, as delays may result in higher costs being incurred next year."
A final and full decision will be made by the council in June and - if approved - the funding will help to secure the investment into buying the required rock and arrange the delivery via ship.