It aims to address erosion, flooding and climate change while protecting the town’s natural character
Budleigh Salterton seafront and red cliffs
A fresh look at Budleigh Salterton’s ever-shifting shoreline is on the cards, as authorities prepare to develop a new strategy to deal with cliff falls, flooding and the impacts of climate change.
East Devon District Council and South West Flood & Coastal are jointly preparing a new Beach and Cliff Management Plan (BCMP) for the town. The scheme aims to guide practical, evidence-led responses to the evolving risks posed by coastal erosion and environmental pressures, while safeguarding Budleigh Salterton’s distinctive natural character.
The town’s coastline, shaped by natural forces such as retreating cliffs and changing beach levels, is expected to remain dynamic. While these processes cannot be halted, the new BCMP will consider all feasible options to manage them and protect local people and infrastructure, balancing environmental, social and economic concerns.
Since the adoption of the current Shoreline Management Plan in 2011, Budleigh Salterton has seen a number of changes, including cliff falls to the west of the town, localised flooding from blocked outfalls, and alterations to the South West Coast Path. Meanwhile, the central beach area has remained stable or even gained material – a positive sign for long-term flood and erosion management.
Under the existing policy of ‘no active intervention’ along the western cliffs, new measures would only be able to slow erosion rather than prevent it entirely. As such, the BCMP will consider potential adaptation strategies and provide clear, realistic information on what may be possible.
The plan will draw on technical research and local insight, examining coastal processes, the state of defences, and possible options for adaptation, improved access and regeneration. Officials hope the outcome will be a flexible long-term strategy that reflects environmental and funding constraints.
Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for environment – operations, said:“Budleigh Salterton’s coastline is unique and will remain a dynamic, changing environment. This project is about being both realistic and proactive: assessing the options available, seeking to protect what is reasonably possible, and planning carefully for the future. In some areas, physical intervention may be limited due to environmental designations, and part of the purpose of this study is to explore these constraints openly.”
Five rounds of public engagement are planned as part of the BCMP development. The first will take place in December 2025 and will focus on raising awareness and gathering local knowledge.
A drop-in session open to all residents will be held during this initial phase, alongside an online survey. Further details, including the date, time and location of the session, will be announced soon.
Organisers hope to collect a wide range of views on how coastal flood and erosion risks are currently managed, and what changes people think could or should be made.