New Plan to Manage Budleigh Salterton’s Changing Coastline

09/10/2025

A flat vector graphic illustration of a rugged seafront featuring striking red cliffs, visibly sculpted by erosion and a dynamically changing coastline. Above, a dramatic, cloudy sky casts an atmospheric mood. On the sandy beach below and winding along the coastal path, small figures of people are depicted enjoying the scenery. The artwork adheres to a clean design with a simple, modern vector style.

East Devon District Council (EDDC), in partnership with South West Flood & Coastal, is developing a new Beach and Cliff Management Plan (BCMP) for Budleigh Salterton. The plan aims to address the evolving risks posed by coastal erosion, cliff falls, flooding, and climate change, while respecting the town’s unique landscape and environmental designations.

Since the adoption of the Shoreline Management Plan in 2011, Budleigh Salterton has experienced cliff falls, blocked outfalls, and changes to the South West Coast Path. While some beach areas remain stable, others face increasing risks. The BCMP will assess coastal processes, review defences, and explore feasible adaptation options, including maintenance, improved access, and regeneration.

A key feature of the plan is its adaptive approach, balancing environmental, social, and economic needs within realistic funding limits. Community engagement will be central, with five rounds of consultation planned. The first, in December 2025, will include a public drop-in session and online survey to gather local insights.

How Is This Helping Devon Adapt To Climate Change?

Action HBEE 2: Local Planning Authorities to identify Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMAs) wherever rates of shoreline change are expected to be significant and implement appropriate regulations to manage development in these areas.

Action HBEE 3: Local Planning Authorities to ensure that their Local Plans utilise and build upon the findings and direction provided by strategic documents dealing with coastal change (e.g. Shoreline Management Plans, Coastal Change Management Areas, Flood Risk Management Plans etc).

Action HBEE 5: Policymakers to investigate the legal, financial and practical means by which coastal communities facing significant adaptation challenges might be helped – so that realistic Adaptation Plans can be developed and delivered where needed.

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