Work is set to begin on the Environment Agency’s £19.8 million scheme to protect Torcross from further storm damage, after devastating storms in January and February 2026.
Storm impacts at Torcross from early 2026. Photo: Forest and Beach
The scheme will see almost 90,000 tons of new rock armour placed on the shoreline frontage to better protect the Torcross community by reducing energy from the waves hitting the shore. In addition, it will also reinstate damaged defences at the car park and extend the slipway.
The project has now secured all necessary consents and licences from the Marine Management Organisation and the Local Planning Authority, following consultation with key stakeholders including Natural England.
The first rock delivery by barge is expected next week, subject to weather conditions. Just under 60,000 tonnes of rock will arrive by sea and a further 30,000 tonnes of smaller material will be transported by road.
George Arnison, Environment Agency project lead, said:
“We’re really pleased to have got to this critical point where we have the green light to start construction. I’d like to acknowledge the huge amount of work that’s gone into getting the project to this stage so quickly, much of which is invisible to the public. “
The project will be progressed at an accelerated pace with Kier Infrastructure appointed to deliver the vital engineering works.
Philip Ramsay, operations director, Kier Infrastructure, said:
“The collaborative effort has ensured that we can now start construction in October.
“Our teams will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and local community to deliver a successful outcome that will protect Torcross for generations to come.”
All rock shipments are scheduled between mid-October and early December 2026, with road deliveries continuing to the end of January 2027.
Rock armour installation will happen between October 2026 and April 2027, with the slipway extension and car park sheet piling in spring 2027. The project is expected to complete, in early summer.
The dates are indicative and may be subject to change due to weather and operational factors.
The £19.8 million funding has been secured from within the Environment Agency’s existing Investment Programme budget, provided by Government through Defra. It is ring-fenced for flood and coastal defence and is separate from any funding related to the A379 road, which falls under the responsibility of Devon County Council as the Highways Authority.
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