L-R: Tom Buxton-Smith (EDDC), Lamorna Taylor (South West Flood & Coastal), Henry Middleton (South West Flood and Coastal) Cllr Paula Fernley (EDDC Assistant Portfolio Holder for Environment - Operations), Cllr Dan Ledger (EDDC Ward Councillor for Seaton) , Philip Rees (Chair of SW Regional Flood and Coastal Committee) Cllr Amrik Singh (Mayor and Chairman of Seaton Town Council) , Cllr Geoff Jung (Portfolio Holder Environment – Operations). Image credit: Chrissy Lovebe.

Major Coastal Protection Scheme Completed at Seaton Hole, Safeguarding Homes and Heritage for Generations

South West Flood and Coastal (SWFaC) has completed the £1.4m Seaton Hole Coastal Protection Scheme, providing stronger protection for cliff-top homes, public spaces and one of East Devon’s most iconic coastal areas. Funded by the Environment Agency, East Devon District Council and Seaton Town Council, the project included delivering 6,500 tonnes of rock by sea to upgrade the cliff-toe revetment, along with repairs to the Check House Wall. Despite challenging conditions, the scheme was delivered in close partnership with the community, including successfully safeguarding the much-loved tree at Seaton Hole. With works now complete, EDDC will continue routine monitoring, marking a major step in strengthening Seaton’s coastline against future climate pressures.

South West Flood and Coastal (SWFaC), the shared service between East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP), is celebrating the completion of the Seaton Hole Coastal Protection Scheme. The major £1.4m project now provides increased protection for cliff-top homes, cherished public spaces and one of East Devon’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The project, funded by the Environmental agency, East Devon District Council and Seaton Town Council and supported by local contractors, marks the culmination of a complex, multi-phase effort to reduce the risks of coastal erosion at Seaton Hole.

One of the most remarkable parts of the scheme was the delivery of 6,500 tonnes of rock by sea, an approach chosen to reduce impacts on local roads, minimise disruption, and allow large volumes of stone to be placed efficiently.

The specialist barge deliveries, landing rock directly onto the beach at Seaton Hole, became a striking sight along the coastline. Many residents and visitors gathered on the promenade to watch the operation, fascinated by the scale and precision of the engineering involved. The operation was praised locally as a rare opportunity to see coastal defence construction in action.

These rocks were used to upgrade and reinforce the existing revetment at the toe of the cliff on Seaton Hole Beach, significantly improving protection against storm waves and winter conditions.

Years of work now delivering real protection

The scheme has strengthened and upgraded the coastal defences along the vulnerable cliff section west of Seaton. This included:

Rebuilding and upgrading the rock revetment, with 6,500 tonnes of new rock installed to improve resilience against waves and winter storms.
Repairing the Check House Wall, a key structure supporting the cliff-top properties above.

These works follow earlier emergency measures dating back several years, as the rate of erosion increased and the risk to homes grew. The completion of the scheme means residents living on the cliff top can now be confident that the coastline is being actively managed against the pressures of climate change.

Delivered through partnership — and shaped by the community

The project overcame significant challenges — from weather delays to difficult working conditions on a constrained beach. Despite this, contractors and engineers worked closely with the Seaton community to keep the project on track.

This collaborative approach was highlighted by the successful preservation of the iconic tree at Seaton Hole, made possible through partnership working between SWFaC, specialist engineers, and the local community. The tree, a valued local landmark, was carefully safeguarded during cliff works for future generations to enjoy.

Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a major milestone for Seaton and for everyone who has lived with the worry of cliff erosion. Completing this work means homes, heritage and the landscape people care deeply about are now better protected."

Cllr Geoff Jung, EDDC Portfolio Holder for Environment – Operations, said: “I want to thank residents for their patience, our partners for their expertise, and the whole project team for their commitment in delivering such a complex scheme in a challenging environment. This is an excellent example of coastal protection done the right way — sensitively, collaboratively, and with real care for the community and the landscape.”

Next steps

With construction work now complete, contractors have removed equipment and restored access areas. The satellite office at West Walks Prom will remain in place until all minor finishing tasks are complete.

EDDC will continue to monitor the cliffs as part of its routine coastal management programme.

A safer coastline and a stronger future

The completion of the Seaton Hole Coastal Protection Scheme marks a significant investment in climate resilience along the Jurassic Coast. It ensures that Seaton’s cliff-top homes and the landscape that surrounds them, can be enjoyed safely for decades to come.

Pictured, L-R: Tom Buxton-Smith (EDDC), Lamorna Taylor (South West Flood & Coastal), Henry Middleton (South West Flood and Coastal) Cllr Paula Fernley (EDDC Assistant Portfolio Holder for Environment - Operations), Cllr Dan Ledger (EDDC Ward Councillor for Seaton) , Philip Rees (Chair of SW Regional Flood and Coastal Committee) Cllr Amrik Singh (Mayor and Chairman of Seaton Town Council) , Cllr Geoff Jung (Portfolio Holder Environment – Operations). Image credit: Chrissy Lovebe.