News from the Slapton Line Partnership

Many will have already heard the good news on funding for improvements to the sea defences at Torcross, but it’s worth repeating the announcement here for those who haven’t yet seen it:

The Environment Agency Business Case and funding of £19.8m have been approved for the proposed rock armour scheme in front of the Torcross sea defences.

This is a critical first step but delivering this project within 2026 remains a very considerable challenge. The Environment Agency and our contractors are working at pace on design, sourcing materials, and securing the necessary consents, licences and permissions – each of which could affect delivery.

Our priority remains reducing the risk of damage to homes and businesses in Torcross as soon as possible. The approved project is to mitigate for beach loss by installing rock armour from the access steps at the south end of the beach, to the slipway at the northern end.

Discussions with Devon County Council and South Hams District Council are continuing regarding the Torcross car park and road beyond the slipway. Together with Devon County Council and South Hams District Council, we are planning a joint public event before the summer holidays when we expect to have a clearer idea of how the project is progressing and be able to provide more details.

The Slapton Line Partnership continues to work together across Start Bay to help manage coastal change and encourage adaptative planning for the future.