Lyme Regis Cobb Stabilisation 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.

The Cobb is a historic harbour that serves as both a protective breakwater and a safeguard against erosion and flooding along the Lyme Bay coastline. Recent structural investigations have shown that the harbour is suffering from destabilisation caused by wave impact and sea floor erosion. The goal of this scheme is to reinforce and repair the harbour walls, ensuring that it continues its vital function for the bay and the local community and that its important heritage is safeguarded.

Project Update: 10 February 2025

The Outline Business Case (OBC) for Phase 5 of the Cobb stabilisation project was approved in 2022 with c.£2.7million funding secured from the Environment Agency. The project team has recently completed an engineering design option that aims to limit impact on the Cobb structure and the surrounding marine environment. Alongside this, a formal pre-application service engagement with Historic England and Natural England has begun and discussions continue until agreement can be reached.

Updated budget costs have been valued at £8.45million. The increase in cost estimates is due to inclusion of inflation, contingency and detailed design consultancy costs. The project team are seeking further funding avenues to address a funding shortfall including the Central Government Affordability Fund, via the Environment Agency. The project team are also developing an expression of interest to the Heritage Lottery Fund aimed at improving surfacing and the landing quay on top of the Cobb.

The funding which has been secured through the OBC is to ensure the continued coastal protection function of the Cobb, therefore OBC structural repair works are being prioritised and options to support stabilisation are being finalised. The project team are continuing discussions with Historic England for advice and we are awaiting feedback, prior to procuring consultancy services for detailed design.

We're planning to submit the necessary applications for construction in Winter 2025, and we hope to start building by Autumn 2026. We'll keep you updated with quarterly project updates and stay in touch with the Harbour Consultative and Advisory Groups. Plus, we'll be hosting public engagement and awareness sessions later this year to keep everyone informed.

A summary of results from the User Access survey which was carried out during Sept to Oct 2023 can be viewed here: User Access survey report