Latest news with #GeoffJung
Daily Mirror
28-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Stunning UK seaside town takes drastic action to stop homes falling into the sea
A quaint yet underrated UK seaside town has unveiled a master plan to help tackle coastal erosion and save more than 40 homes from potential danger - to the tune of £1.4 million A charming seaside resort under growing threat from crumbling cliffs has unveiled a £1.4 million plan to help protect the town. Nestled in the heart of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and surrounded by the idyllic East Devon National Landscape, lies the tourist hotspot of Seaton. Boasting over a mile of shingle and golden sand beach that effortlessly melts into crystal-clear waters - the town is famed for its dramatic backdrop of cliffs. Seemingly worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Seaton offers a more laid-back atmosphere, but still has all of your quintessential seaside must-haves. Often touted as the natural capital of East Devon, Seaton is a great base to hike through nearby nature reserves, get up close and personal with wildlife, and explore ancient fossils along the beach. It's also become somewhat of a haven for water sports, offering thrilling activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding. However, in recent years, the stretch of coast has been hit with several landslides and ongoing erosion - putting more than 40 homes, including a care home, at risk. To tackle the issue, East Devon District Council has devised a £1.4 million improvement scheme - which starts next month. The work, which is being managed by a partnership of East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, known as South West Flood and Coastal, will include adding more large rocks (known as rock armour) at the base of the will also refurbish and remove wire baskets filled with stones that support the cliff base next to Check House seawall so they can carry out repairs to it. The council states the improvements will make the area 'safer and more resilient' to the effects of the sea, and is expected to deliver almost £5 million in long-term benefits. Work will commence on August 26 and should be completed by November. As a result, sections of Seaton Hole beach will be closed 'periodically' but will remain open 'when possible'. Local businesses will remain open and accessible as usual throughout the works. "While there may be some minor disruption over the summer, this work is essential," said Councillor Geoff Jung. "It will make Seaton Hole safer and more accessible for everyone, and help protect properties on the clifftop." The councillor urged tourists to keep a 'safe distance' from the work area and to avoid climbing on the rocks or near the cliff. "They are unstable and pose a serious risk," he added. Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of the Council, said: "This part of the coast has seen repeated landslides and ongoing erosion. It's vital that we act now to protect local homes and ensure this beautiful area remains safe for future generations."
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New conservation strategy launched to protect key wildlife sites
A new conservation strategy has been launched to protect three of Devon's most important wildlife sites. The South East Devon Wildlife – Joint Habitats Sites Mitigation Strategy 2025–2030 covers the Exe Estuary, East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, and Dawlish Warren. It has been formally adopted by East Devon District Council, Teignbridge District Council, and Exeter City Council. Geoff Jung, chairman of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee and portfolio holder for environment at East Devon District Council, said: "This strategy reflects our collective duty to protect South East Devon's internationally important wildlife — not just for today, but for the benefit of future generations." Developed by Footprint Ecology, the scheme builds on the previous 2016–2025 strategy and was created in partnership with Natural England, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and others. It outlines mitigation measures funded through developer contributions from new housing built within 10km of the protected sites. The reserves hold some of the UK's highest conservation designations, including Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Ramsar sites. The strategy includes education schemes, visitor patrols, upgraded paths and signs, improved parking, and the creation and maintenance of wildlife refuges for overwintering birds. Regular monitoring will also be carried out to ensure the measures remain effective. Gary Taylor, executive member for planning and building control at Teignbridge District Council, said: "By working together, we're delivering smarter, more effective protection across boundaries and ecosystems." Ruth Williams, portfolio holder for city management at Exeter City Council, said: "We're proud to be part of this ground-breaking initiative — a true partnership for sustainable development." The strategy aims to manage the impact of increased visitor numbers resulting from new housing developments. Without intervention, rising recreational use could threaten the wildlife and habitats that the sites are meant to protect. Full details of the plan are available on the South East Devon Wildlife website.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Exmouth homes approved amid sewage capacity concerns
Initial plans for a housing development in Devon have been approved by council planners despite concerns being raise about sewage network scheme would see 75 homes built in Exmouth, on land to the north east of King's Garden and Leisure Centre on Hulham councillors raised concerns about the ability of the sewage network to cope with the number of homes despite reassurances from South West Water (SWW).East Devon District Council planning committee approved the outline scheme at a meeting on Tuesday but included a condition that sewage capacity was proven before homes were occupied. SWW told the committee it had conducted a thorough assessment of the sewage network, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Geoff Jung said he was concerned after the company said the system "should" be able to cope with the development. "I'm worried because they have only looked at the first 260m (about 850ft) of pipes from the development, yet there are another three miles (4.8km) of network," he said. 'Investing millions' Councillor MIke Howe said there was "no faith" in SWW."With all the facts we know about Exmouth and sewage overflows into the sea in particular, that have been increasing year over year, how can we stand with the SWW response that putting more sewage into a system won't increase overflows?" he asked. Ed Freeman, the assistant director for planning at the council, said he could "understand member concerns and lack of trust in SWW".However, he said: "We don't have contradictory evidence to their evidence, and the company is investing millions of pounds in the town. "We have also been conducting a water cycle study and it shows there is some capacity at the Maer Lane treatment works, so we don't have reason to question SWW."The committee voted in favour to approve the scheme, but attached a condition to include proof to be presented to the council that drainage is developer will now have to submit a more detailed application, which will include aspects like the exact number of homes, their design and layout on the site.
BBC News
28-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Sidmouth coastal defence work pushed back to 2027
The start date for a £21m coastal defence scheme has been pushed back to 2027 due to "various delays", a council has Devon District Council said the project would help protect Sidmouth town and seafront from flooding and erosion for the next 100 project was originally due to begin this year but the council said "a number of factors" had caused delays, including discussions around planning and "various delays due to contractor and staff resources". Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: "The team is confident that good planning and teamwork will ensure the project succeeds in protecting Sidmouth's coast." He said they "recognise how important this coastal defence scheme is for the people of Sidmouth"."We're fully committed to moving ahead positively, and we're grateful for the continued support from our community, local councils, and partners," he project, which includes the area between Jacob's Ladder and East Beach, was originally due to begin this August 2024 the council announced delays, saying the project was due to begin in around two years' time.A tendering process is set to begin later in the summer, with the company chosen to carry out the work set to be appointed by the end of the the chosen contractor has been appointed, the project will move onto the design stage, with local residents and stakeholder groups Devon Distict Council is working alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils to form the South West Flood and Coastal (SWFC) team.A project board made up of representatives from the council, the Environment Agency and other key partners is also overseeing the delivery of the project and its council said the preferred option for the scheme, chosen following community consultation, is a hybrid one involving breakwaters and increasing the level of shingle on the beach, known as recharging.A "super groyne", which is a barrier going from the beach to the sea, is to be built on East beach or a possible offshore breakwater could be built, which would be designed specifically to retain shingle. The new shared SWFC service would provide sufficient officer and specialist support to this important scheme moving forward, they said plans for a splash wall, which is a secondary coastal defensive wall, was to be re-evaluated and re-considered, following further careful studies."This option will save money in the long run while protecting homes and businesses in the area from floods, risks of rising sea levels, impacts of climate change and erosion for years to come," they project has been funded by the Environment Agency, local councils and community groups.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Second phase of urgent Exmouth sea wall repairs complete
The second phase of urgent repair work to Exmouth's sea wall has been completed, a council has Devon District Council (EDDC) said the "critical phase" of the project involved installing 150m (490ft) of steel sheet piling, extending the defences from the phase one works at the Sideshore Development to the old lifeboat said the combined cost of phase one, completed in 2024, and phase two was £3m, funded by the government and Jung, council portfolio holder for the environment – operational, said it was vital the emergency works were carried out "urgently". Closures lifted The council said the improvements would strengthen the seawall against storm damage and coast erosion, providing vital protection for local homes, businesses, and essential seafront said phase one and two works were timed to take place during the winter months in a bid to "reduce the inconvenience to the absolute minimum".The council said the promenade path, seafront cycle lane and Queen's Drive had all reopened following the works, adding heavy machinery had been removed from the said temporary safety fencing would remain in place around grassed areas until new seed had taken added that phase three, residents' and businesses' feedback would play a "vital role in shaping the final appearance of the seawall".
