Work has begun on a £19.8 million scheme designed to shield Torcross from further storm damage, after devastating storms impacted the area in January and February 2026. The project will see almost 90,000 tonnes of new rock armour placed on the shoreline frontage. This aims to better protect the Torcross community by reducing the energy of waves hitting the shore.
The Environment Agency scheme also includes reinstating damaged defences at the car park and extending the slipway. The project has secured all necessary consents and licences from the Marine Management Organisation and the Local Planning Authority, following consultation with stakeholders including Natural England.
The first rock delivery by barge is anticipated next week, weather permitting. Just under 60,000 tonnes of rock will arrive by sea, with an additional 30,000 tonnes of smaller material to be transported by road.
“"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. I’d like to thank the team and all those who have been involved and supported the project, and the community for their patience over the last 7 months."
Kier Infrastructure has been appointed to deliver the engineering works, with the project progressing at an accelerated pace. Philip Ramsay, operations director at Kier Infrastructure, stated that the collaborative effort ensures construction can commence in October. He added that teams will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and the local community to achieve a successful outcome that will protect Torcross for generations.
This announcement coincides with the Environment Agency’s Flood Action Week (12-18 October), which encourages the public to check their flood risk, create a flood plan, and sign up for flood warnings. A new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce has also been launched by the government to champion community voices and enhance planning for extreme weather.
All rock shipments are scheduled between mid-October and early December 2026, with road deliveries continuing until late January 2027. Rock armour installation is planned from October 2026 to April 2027, while slipway extension and car park sheet piling are scheduled for spring 2027. The project is expected to be completed, and the car park reopened, in early summer 2027. These dates are subject to change based on weather and operational factors.
The £19.8 million funding is secured from the Environment Agency’s existing Investment Programme budget, provided by the Government through Defra. The site is located within the Slapton Ley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the South Devon National Character Area, near the Skerries Banks and Surrounds Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). The Environment Agency, Devon County Council, and South Hams District Council are collaborating on the car park defence reinstatement.
