Beesands Coastal Protection Scheme Starts

Repairs to the coastal defenses at Beesands are set to begin today, according to the South Hams District Council.

The Council have been working closely with Landmarc, who will be carrying out the work, to get the best results from the scheme within a challenging budget.

South Hams Executive Portfolio Holder for Customer First, Cllr Hilary Bastone, said: “It is clear to see that the might of the sea has taken its toll on Beesands, and our current coastal management plan accepts that we cannot protect this stretch of coast line indefinitely.

“However, we have been working with Landmarc to maximize the efficiency of this coastal defense scheme and deliver the best value for money.”

The works will be run in a number of phases, starting with creating a works site and recovering the displaced rock armor, this will then be bolstered with more armor and the new sea defense will be constructed, including additional gabion baskets (small rocks contained within a steel mesh).

The work is expected to be taking place for approximately 6-8 weeks.

Phase 1 – Work begins

A section of village green will need to be fenced off to accommodate a site compound and welfare facilities. The exact location is currently being finalized and every effort will be made during the works to minimize the amount of green required.

Phase 2 – Rock Armor Recovery and Material Deliveries

Remedial works will begin by recovering the displaced rock armor and temporarily stockpiling within the fenced off area.

Landmarc will be importing 2-4 tonnes of secondary armor to bolster the amount of armor available.

Phase 3 – Rock Armor placement

Rock armor will then be selected to enable reconstruction along a frontage extending approximately 160 meters from the existing play park.

Works will also include construction of additional gabion baskets at the rear of the new revetment.

Phase 4 – End Detail

The available rock armor will be concentrated along a smaller frontage to try and improve stability. The team are currently exploring the feasibility of installing a dynamic, low profile rock revetment.