Exmouth residents invited to drop-in event about Beach Management Plan Update

Come along to the first drop-in event about the Exmouth Beach Management Plan (BMP) Update at Exmouth Town Hall’s Council Chamber between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Thursday, 15 February.

The BMP sets out how the risks of flooding and erosion from Orcombe Point to Exmouth Marina will be reduced, and how the beach and coastal defences will be maintained going forwards. Representatives from East Devon District Council (EDDC) and its contractors will be at the event to talk about the project and answer any questions. 

Attendees will be encouraged to share their thoughts in an online form, with this feedback helping to update the BMP. This feedback form will be available on the Exmouth BMP Commonplace websitefrom 15 February . Those who cannot attend the event are also encouraged to share their thoughts, and a further drop-in session will be taking place in the summer.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment, and Chair of the Exmouth BMP Steering Group, said: “I would guess that everyone agrees that the beach at Exmouth is the town’s greatest asset. Over the years we have seen it change with changing levels, sand dunes lost, and groynes built and now almost covered with sand, it is forever changing. Climate Change, storm events, and changing tides and river flows affect this very special place.

"The trick now for our consultant engineers is to understand how nature is affecting the beach, predict how it will affect the shoreline in the future and as much as possible work with nature so we will always retain our wonderful beach.

"We want you to understand what we would like to do, and we want to understand what you would like us to do, so please come along or visit our website.”

Anyone who is unable to use the online form will be able to complete a paper copy. To request a hard copy, contact EDDC by phoning 01404 515 616 or emailing communications@eastdevon.gov.uk.

Draft drawings of the proposed emergency seawall repairs will also be shared, and on display during the event.

A 12-week public consultation on the Exmouth BMP Update will be held later this year. You can sign up for updates about the Exmouth BMP on the Commonplace website, and for more information, visit EDDC’s Exmouth BMP webpages.