Funding approved for flood defences at Torcross, but future of the road remains in doubt

Nearly £20million of funding for sea defences has been approved for Torcross but there is no news about whether the road will be reinstated. 

The Environment Agency has had £19.8million of funding approved foe a major sea defences project at Torcross, designed to protect houses and businesses from further coastal erosion.

The rock armour scheme, is due to sit between the access steps at the southern end of the beach and the slipway ay the northern end.   

The future of Torcross Line has been in doubt since storms caused significant damage to the A379 this year, threatening the existence of Slapton Ley. 

The statement from the Environment Agency said: "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."

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden welcomed the announcement, saying she had repeatedly raised the issue of investment in coastal defences with government ministers since the winter storms.

“I’m delighted to have helped secure funding from the Environment Agency to strengthen the sea defences at Torcross,” she said.

“Since the devastating storms this winter, I have been laser-focused on protecting the community here and have raised investment in defences repeatedly with the government."

Main image credit Oli Rowden - BBC