Project Updates
- Undermining at Gin Shop turn (urgent works required): Significant undermining has created a large void at the toe of the wall; 6m in length, 300mm in vertical opening, and more than 2m wide. This work will be prioritised for repair this year before the storm/winter season.
- Southern Arm displacement (being monitored): There are indications of mass mortar loss, and minor undermining of the toe, both within the visitor harbour section. These defects are being monitored and structural inspections have been undertaken.
- Cobb Building seawall (being monitored): The seaward wall has mass grout loss, missing blocks and overhanging blocks. This section of the Cobb is primarily a foundation structure for the commercial buildings. These defects are being monitored and structural inspections have been undertaken.
- Dorset Council engineers are progressing potential repair options with the support of specialist consultants.
- The repair work is estimated to cost between £300,000-350,000. Dorset Council funding for this work is being sought and is currently under review.
- A specialist engineering consultant has been procured. The consultant will review and recommend works to repair the void at the Gin Shop turn. They will then prepare a scope of works for remediation and assist with the procurement of a specialist contractor as well as supervise works on site.
- Dorset Council intend to progress any construction works before the start of the winter storm season.
- In addition to the repair works, plans continue for Phase 5, the Cobb stabilisation scheme. The key challenges are gaining appropriate advice from Historic England and identifying further funds to pay for the works.
- The project team are continuing discussions with Historic England for pre-application service advice and are still awaiting feedback following submission of further supporting evidence by the project team. It is vital that agreement with Historic England is reached prior to procuring consultancy services for detailed design. Their support is crucial not only for planning purposes but also for enhancing the likelihood of successfully securing external funding.
- In June 2025, the government launched a consultation ‘Reforming our approach to floods funding’ that sets out proposed changes to coastal defence funding via the Environment Agency. The principles of the reform proposals provide an opportunity for Dorset Council to apply for additional government funding to alleviate the funding shortfall, following reforms taking place in 2026. Once decisions on planned funding allocations are known, the project team shall assess the impact of any changes to the project.
- Dorset Council are planning to submit the necessary planning applications for construction in Summer 2026, to start building between Winter 2026 and Spring 2027, subject to progress of consenting applications and funding availability.
- The project team will keep you updated with quarterly project updates on this page and update the Harbour Consultative and Advisory Groups. Plus, Dorset Coast Forum will be organising public engagement and awareness sessions in October or November, to keep everyone informed.
Project Updates
Cobb Void Emergency Works
Following an annual inspection of the seaward Cobb high wall in Spring 2025 a large open scour void was identified at the base of the structure under the Gin Shop turn.
Assessment of the void showed that work was required urgently due to the size of the void (7m x 2m x 0.3m) and also due to its exposure to high energy waves.
Dorset Council is applying to repair the void and if all goes well work should begin in early November to coincide with low spring tides. The work is aiming to take place between the 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th of November, though this is subject to weather and wave activity. If this window is not met, the work will be postponed to the next series of spring low tides.
During the work, special concrete, which pumps at high pressure and sets within 2 hours, will be used to fill the void. Concrete blocks will be placed over the void entrance using a crane, before the tide returns, to reduce the risk of washout of materials; these will be removed once the repair is completed. The damaged existing toe is to be repaired like-for-like using wooden formwork and marine concrete sculpted by hand with concrete delivered via a pump. The formwork is to be removed once the concrete sets. Any other localised repairs to the area that can be accessed during the time, will also be carried out.
Fishing and harbour operations are expected to be able to continue while the work takes place.
This repair work is Phase 1 of 3 works to be carried out on the Cobb. The estimated costs for this repair are between £50,000 and £60,000. The total cost of all the repair work is expected to be £350,000.
Phase 1: Void repairs at the Gin Shop turn.
Phase 2: Repointing and repairs of the seawall under the Cobb buildings.
Phase 3: Southern Arm undermining assessment and repairs. This involves a laser scan, assessment of findings, options development and appraisal and finally implementation.
These emergency works are separate from the Phase 5 works at Lyme Regis.
Project Update: 30 July 2025 – Cobb Wall Defect
Following an annual inspection of the seaward Cobb high wall carried out by Dorset Council officers in spring 2025, areas of further and ongoing deterioration have been identified with large open scour voids present at the base of the structure, at the Gin Shop turn. The void is located at an exposed section, thus Dorset Councils coastal engineers deem this repair to be urgent and required before the 2025/26 storm season. It should be noted that repair work is separate to the proposed Phase 5 scheme.
Overall, three asset defects have been identified and can be located on the image below:
Cobb repair works, what happens next?
What is happening with the Cobb Phase 5 Works?
Historic England Advice
Funding
Proposed timelines
Engagement and Communication
Project Update: 20 June 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, Natural England and South West Water has been undertaken and discussions continue with Historic England until agreement can be reached. These are all key stakeholders and Dorset Council are seeking their support for the design option before the formal planning process begins.
In terms of costs, updated construction budget costs have been provided by contractors with increases in project cost estimates due to inflation, contingency, and detailed design consultancy costs. The project team are seeking further funding avenues to address substantial funding shortfalls and await further funding decisions from the Environment Agency. The project team are also developing an expression of interest to the Heritage Lottery Fund and considering an expression of interest to the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, aimed at improving surfacing and the landing quay on top of the Cobb. However, it is important to note that external funding bodies will also want to ensure that key stakeholders support the type of works being carried out on the Cobb, given its status as a Grade 1 listed building of international significance.
The funding which has been secured from the Environment Agency through the Outline Business Case (OBC) is to ensure the continued coastal protection function of the Cobb, therefore OBC structural repair works are being prioritised and preferred outline options to support stabilisation have been finalised. The project team are continuing discussions with Historic England for pre-application service advice, and we are now awaiting feedback to further supporting evidence recently supplied by the project team. It is an important part of the process, that agreement with Historic England is reached, prior to procuring consultancy services for detailed design.
In terms of proposed timelines, Dorset Council are planning to submit the necessary planning applications for construction in Summer 2026, and hope to start building between Winter 2026 and Spring 2027, subject to progress of consenting applications and funding availability. The project team will keep you updated with quarterly project updates and stay in touch with the Harbour Consultative and Advisory Groups. Plus, Dorset Coast Forum will be hosting public engagement and awareness sessions later this year following the procurement of detailed design consultancy services 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
Project Update: 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.
Project Update: April 2024
Read the results of the Commercial and Recreational Users Access Survey
The Commercial and Recreational Users Access survey aimed to find out how and when commercial and recreational users access the Cobb. The survey was live between 31st August and 18th October 2023 and received 100 responses.
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
The results, along with further engagement activities, will provide valuable information to the project team to help find the least disruptive solution to undertaking the essential stabilisation works.
Project Funding and next steps
As you will be aware, the scheme has had challenges with funding due to the rising cost of inflation with a need to add to the budget. The project team are currently busy exploring all funding avenues and developing a preferred stabilisation design and going through a process of ‘value engineering’ – essentially trying to find the most cost-effective design that will stabilise the Cobb.
The next step will be to consult with commercial, recreational users and the wider public to understand how to minimise any potential disruption. There will be more news on this element soon with several opportunities for you to have your say.
Project Update: December 2023
Investigations on inner wall take place to help inform detailed design for stabilisation works
From 27 – 29th November Hansford Construction Ltd on behalf of Dorset Council dug 20 shallow trial pits around the edge of the Cobb inner harbour wall. The purpose of these pits was to provide further information on the condition of the Cobb inner wall below the sediment level and provide greater insight on the type and condition of the wall foundations. The results of the investigations will be used to inform the detailed design development for the proposed Cobb stabilisation works. The detailed design of these elements is due to commence early in the new year with scheduled completion by summer 2024.
The project team are also continuing to explore a range of funding options to add to the £3million budget, with rising costs due to inflation meaning the project is expected to cost at least £4.5million. The project team are also continuing to work closely with our statutory partner organisations including Historic England, Natural England, and Environment Agency.
Thank you to everyone who completed the Commercial and Recreational Users Access Survey – results will be published on this page early next year. This information, along with further consultation events which will take place at an appropriate time in the future, will help guide the project team to find the least disruptive solution to undertaking the works.
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.
