£1 million rock armour project announced in Minehead
Construction set to start this spring with over 5,000 tonnes of rock armour used
A £1 million project to extend coastal flood defences at Minehead seafront has been announced, aiming to protect the town from coastal flooding.
Scheduled to begin in spring 2026, the project will involve extending existing rock armour near Butlins and Minehead Golf Course.
More than 5,000 tonnes of rock armour will be deployed to reinforce 100 metres of a vulnerable shingle ridge known as the Warren.
Environmental considerations are central to the project's execution, with plans to minimise disruption.
Approximately 250 lorry movements are expected to transport materials, though beach access will be maintained through a temporary opening in the rock groyne.
Minehead faces erosion risks from winter storms, particularly affecting its eastern esplanade, currently protected by a natural shingle ridge reinforced with rock armour.
Previous defences were completed in 2023, using 14,500 tonnes of granite rock armour to safeguard the sea wall.
Recent erosion has led to the need for this new phase.
Environment Agency flood mapping indicates increasing coastal flooding risks due to climate change, necessitating continued investment.
Bert Leach from the Environment Agency said: "This project builds on the successful work we completed in 2023 and will provide vital protection for Minehead against coastal flooding."
He assured of efforts to curtail the impact on residents and visitors during the project's execution.
Ben Parker from Minehead Town Council said: "We welcome this investment in Minehead's coastal defences. Protecting our town from flooding is essential for our residents, our businesses, and our future."
The Environment Agency aims to complete the works, including reopening the West Somerset Coast Path and England Coast Path connecting Minehead and Dunster before summer 2026.