Kier Infrastructure is set to begin construction of a £19.8 million coastal defence scheme at Torcross in Devon, with about 88,000 tonnes of rock due to be delivered to the site over the coming months. The Environment Agency has confirmed that the project has secured the necessary consents and licences from the Marine Management Organisation and local planning authority following consultation with Natural England. The first barge carrying rock is expected next week, subject to weather conditions.
The works follow severe storm damage at Torcross in January and February 2026 and will strengthen the shoreline frontage with new rock armour, reinstate damaged car park defences and extend the existing slipway. The £19.8 million funding comes from the Environment Agency's existing Investment Programme budget, provided by Government through Defra. It is specifically allocated to flood and coastal defence work and is separate from funding for the adjacent A379, which remains the responsibility of Devon County Council.
Illustrative image of severe coastal storm conditions. Editorial illustration: London Construction Magazine.
About 88,000 Tonnes of Rock to Reach Torcross
The delivery strategy is one of the main construction features of the scheme. Just under 60,000 tonnes of rock are planned to arrive by sea, with a further 30,000 tonnes of smaller material transported to Torcross by road. According to the Environment Agency, all marine rock shipments are scheduled between mid-October and early December 2026. Road deliveries are expected to continue until the end of January 2027.
Rock armour installation is then programmed to continue between October 2026 and April 2027. The material will be placed along the frontage to reduce wave energy reaching the shoreline and provide greater protection to Torcross during future storm events. Moving the majority of the rock by barge reduces the quantity that must be hauled to the coastal site by road, although the marine element also makes the programme dependent on suitable weather and sea conditions.
Sheet Piling and Slipway Works Follow in Spring
The programme extends beyond the rock armour works. The Environment Agency expects the slipway extension and sheet piling associated with the car park defence to take place during spring 2027. Completion of the overall scheme and reopening of the car park are currently expected in early summer 2027. The agency has made clear that these dates remain indicative and can change in response to weather or operational conditions. Kier Infrastructure has been appointed to deliver the engineering works under the accelerated programme. The Environment Agency, Devon County Council and South Hams District Council are also working together on reinstatement of the car park defence.
Environmental Constraints Around the Coastal Works
The scheme sits within a sensitive environmental setting. The site lies within the Slapton Ley Site of Special Scientific Interest and the South Devon National Character Area, and is close to the Skerries Banks and Surrounds Marine Conservation Zone. That location places additional importance on consent conditions, delivery sequencing and control of construction activity around the shoreline. The Environment Agency said the required Marine Management Organisation and planning approvals are now in place following consultation with Natural England and other stakeholders.
The wider Slapton Line Partnership brings together the organisations involved in managing the stretch of coast around Torcross and Slapton Sands. The immediate construction sequence is now expected to begin with the first marine rock delivery, followed by continuing barge and road deliveries through the winter and rock armour installation into April 2027.
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