The Lyme Regis Coast Protection Scheme was initiated by West Dorset District Council in the early 1990s. It aims to provide long-term coast protection for the town and to reduce damage and disruption caused by landslipping, through a long-term programme of engineering works. 

Phase I of the scheme, which includes a new sea wall and promenade next to the mouth of the River Lim, was completed in 1995.

Phase II was completed in 2007 to protect the area from Cobb Gate to the harbour from landslides and coastal erosion.

West Dorset District Council has also been carrying out preliminary studies and preparing conceptual designs for economic and environmentally acceptable coast protection works for other areas of the town. Emergency stabilisation work was carried out during winter 2003/2004 in critical areas to provide short-term protection while the main schemes were being developed. 

The preliminary design of Phase IV – construction of 390 metres of sea wall and stabilisation of the soft cliffs and coastal slopes behind it at Church Cliff and East Cliff, to the east of the town – has been completed.  Planning consent (reference 1/D/10/00077) was granted in April 2010.  The application for Defra approval and funding is being assessed by the Environment Agency.

• Name: Lyme Regis Environment Improvements Team
  Email: engineers@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252360
  Fax: 01305 252349
  Full details for Lyme Regis Environment Improvements Team