Futures Forum: Beach Management Plan: District Council press release on meeting of 10th May > "Outline business case makes steady progress"
But there continues to be a huge amount of frustration:
Futures Forum: Beach Management Plan: and the consistency of the frustrations faced by the volunteer stakeholders >>> steering group to meet tomorrow, Thursday 10th May
So, what exactly is the 'Preferred Option'?
The Devon Live news website reports:
Sidmouth beach splash wall raised to stop erosion - but offshore breakwaters too expensive
The scheme to protect the beach will cost £9m
Daniel Clark Local Democracy Reporter
13 JUN 2018
SIDMOUTH BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN CONSULTATION EVENT
Offshore breakwaters to protect Sidmouth beach from erosion would be more robust, but cost double the predicted £9m for the preferred scheme.
The Sidmouth and East Beach Management Scheme will add a new rock groyne on East Beach, import new shingle onto Sidmouth Beach, and East Beach, and raise the existing splash wall along the rear of Sidmouth promenade by 500mm (approximately 19 inches).
At a recent steering group committee, additional offshore breakwaters were discussed and it was explained again that although the breakwaters may present a more robust solution technically, they would come at almost double the cost.
Their cost has been re-examined recently by consultants Royal HaskoningDHV and they have confirmed that the previous costings as part of the Beach Management Plan were correct.
Sidmouth East Beach (Image: Daniel Clark)
Royal HaskoningDHV also presented some of the more detailed outline design drawings they are now working on, which have been developed with the use of 3D models to help ensure that costs for the volumes of rock and shingle are estimated accurately. Additional surveys are being carried out along the seafront to help inform the outline design of the splash wall.
The proposals also include improving maintenance access onto East Beach for future recycling and replenishment, and the issue of whether water access can be improved as part of this remains important to the steering group.
Royal HaskoningDHV’s thorough tests and methodical approach has resulted in a proposal to recharge the beach with a 10m flat section at the top, and a suggested increase in the height of the splash wall of up to 0.5m from its existing level, with sections of lower height where the beach is less exposed.
Cllr Tom Wright, Stakeholder Group Chairman and portfolio holder for the Environment, said: “It was good to meet with the group following the successful public exhibition event and to continue to hear their views and to keep the community updated as the scheme moves forward.”
Royal HaskoningDHV also presented some of the more detailed outline design drawings they are now working on, which have been developed with the use of 3D models to help ensure that costs for the volumes of rock and shingle are estimated accurately. Additional surveys are being carried out along the seafront to help inform the outline design of the splash wall.
The proposals also include improving maintenance access onto East Beach for future recycling and replenishment, and the issue of whether water access can be improved as part of this remains important to the steering group.
Royal HaskoningDHV’s thorough tests and methodical approach has resulted in a proposal to recharge the beach with a 10m flat section at the top, and a suggested increase in the height of the splash wall of up to 0.5m from its existing level, with sections of lower height where the beach is less exposed.
Cllr Tom Wright, Stakeholder Group Chairman and portfolio holder for the Environment, said: “It was good to meet with the group following the successful public exhibition event and to continue to hear their views and to keep the community updated as the scheme moves forward.”
Sidmouth from above
Alex Lee, Technical Director from Royal HaskoningDHV, said: “We enjoyed having the opportunity to update the statutory bodies and local community on our progress so far, and to explain the work that has gone on behind the scenes.”
A council spokesman added: “Raising the height of the splash wall is a proposal that will continue to be considered very carefully as the outline design progresses. In addition, East Devon will ensure that adequate allowance is made for enhancements to the wall in the forward funding case.”
The scheme’s aim is to maintain the 1990’s Sidmouth Coastal Defence Scheme Standard of Service, as well as to reduce the rate of beach and cliff erosion to the east of the River Sid (East Beach) in an integrated, justifiable and sustainable way.
The current estimated cost of the project is around £9m over its entire lifespan and that around £5.7m is expected to be funded by central government, leaving a funding gap of around £3.3m
The next steps of the project are to finalise the Preferred Option and obtain approval for the Outline Business Case that is required to obtain funding for the Detailed Design Stages. It is expected to be submitted to the Government by the summer and if approved, work could begin in 2019.
Sidmouth beach splash wall raised to stop erosion - but offshore breakwaters too expensive - Devon Live
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Alex Lee, Technical Director from Royal HaskoningDHV, said: “We enjoyed having the opportunity to update the statutory bodies and local community on our progress so far, and to explain the work that has gone on behind the scenes.”
A council spokesman added: “Raising the height of the splash wall is a proposal that will continue to be considered very carefully as the outline design progresses. In addition, East Devon will ensure that adequate allowance is made for enhancements to the wall in the forward funding case.”
The scheme’s aim is to maintain the 1990’s Sidmouth Coastal Defence Scheme Standard of Service, as well as to reduce the rate of beach and cliff erosion to the east of the River Sid (East Beach) in an integrated, justifiable and sustainable way.
The current estimated cost of the project is around £9m over its entire lifespan and that around £5.7m is expected to be funded by central government, leaving a funding gap of around £3.3m
The next steps of the project are to finalise the Preferred Option and obtain approval for the Outline Business Case that is required to obtain funding for the Detailed Design Stages. It is expected to be submitted to the Government by the summer and if approved, work could begin in 2019.
Sidmouth beach splash wall raised to stop erosion - but offshore breakwaters too expensive - Devon Live
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