Lyme Regis Cobb Stabilisation Scheme

Project Update October 2023

The project team managing the Cobb Stabilisation Scheme are exploring additional funding options as rising inflation has meant there is a need to add to the £3million budget. Meanwhile, the Cobb itself is being routinely monitored by the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) team for damage.

For more details regarding this update visit > Lyme Regis Cobb Stabilisation Press Release & FAQs.

Watch Storm Ciaran hit the Cobb showing the immense power of the sea and the harbours role as a coastal defence. Credits: James Loveridge Photography

Lyme Regis Cobb Stabilisation Scheme (Phase V: Environmental Improvement Scheme)

Welcome to the homepage for the Cobb Stabilisation project, here you can see updates, find out about the project, and be informed on the consultation process.

Stabilisation of the Cobb is Phase V of the wider Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme. It aims to reinforce and repair the Cobb, a historic harbour which also acts as a breakwater and protects the Lyme Bay coastline from erosion and flooding. Lyme Regis’s Cobb, the iconic harbour and Grade 1 listed monument, has undergone structural investigations which has shown that the structure is gradually destabilising.

Why does this project need to happen?

Sea-floor erosion, combined with the localised movement of stone blocks due to wave impact on the outer harbour wall and the deterioration of the structure on the inner harbour wall, have caused significant destabilisation of the structure.

It is predicted that the functionality of the Cobb as a breakwater would end in the 2040s, potentially resulting in the loss of the harbour, and over 100 residential and non-residential properties will be at increased risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

What works are planned for this project?

The project aims to stabilise the Cobb to maintain its status as a breakwater, a coastal flood and erosion defence, and a safe harbour for many different types of vessels and businesses. It is being proposed to strengthen and stabilise the structure which may include construction of a low-level concrete toe foundation strengthening wall along with tension rods.

The project team are currently reviewing the scheme design options and a preferred option will be presented to stakeholders and the public.  The choice of preferred design will be posted on this webpage and there will be an opportunity to consult with the project team during engagement events in due course, details of which will be posted on this webpage.

How can I have my say?

The first public consultation event took place in October 2017, with a further two consultations in 2022 with commercial harbour users.

Further consultations will take place in due course - details of which will be posted on this webpage and promoted widely - please sign up to receive email updates on the scheme.

In the interim, we developed a survey to understand how and when commercial and recreational users access the Cobb which closed 18th October 2023. The results will be posted on this webpage and emailed out to all stakeholders.