What is the current status of the Lyme Regis coastal works project?

The Lyme Regis coastal works project is facing a £4.1 million funding shortfall for the £8.5 million Phase 5 scheme, and the council is in discussions with Historic England and the Environment Agency to secure additional funding.

When is the construction on the Lyme Regis coastal works project planned to begin?

If the funding discussions go well, the construction on the Lyme Regis coastal works project is still planned to start in the winter of 2026 and continue until the spring of 2027.

Home / Environment / Lyme Regis Coastal Works Stall Due to £4.1M Funding Shortfall

Lyme Regis Coastal Works Stall Due to £4.1M Funding Shortfall

Q: How much did Dorset Council recently spend on emergency repairs to The Cobb seawall in Lyme Regis?

Dorset Council recently allocated £350,000 for emergency work to repair a void at the base of the seaward wall on The Cobb in Lyme Regis.

4 Oct

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Summary

Dorset Council faces £4.1M shortfall for £8.5M Phase 5 coastal works in Lyme Regis
Emergency repairs costing £350,000 recently completed on The Cobb seawall
Talks ongoing with Historic England and Environment Agency on future funding

Lyme Regis Coastal Works Stall Due to £4.1M Funding Shortfall

As of October 4th, 2025, the Dorset Council is facing a significant funding challenge for the next phase of coastal works in the town of Lyme Regis. The £8.5 million Phase 5 scheme is currently short by more than £4.1 million, according to the council's reports.

In addition to the shortfall for the upcoming project, the council has also recently allocated £350,000 for emergency work to repair a void at the base of the seaward wall on The Cobb. This unplanned expenditure has further strained the council's resources for coastal defense initiatives in the area.

Dorset Council's flood and coastal erosion engineering manager, Matthew Penny, stated that discussions are ongoing with Historic England regarding the future of the Phase 5 project. Additionally, the council is awaiting final decisions on funding from the Environment Agency. A potential opportunity may arise from a Defra consultation on a new approach to funding flood protection work, set to take effect from April 2026, but the outcome remains uncertain at this time.

Despite the financial hurdles, the council is still planning for construction on the Phase 5 scheme to begin in the winter of 2026 and continue through the spring of 2027. The public will also be invited to attend sessions to discuss ways in which users of the harbor can maintain access during the construction period. However, the project is still pending the necessary licensing and planning approvals.

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