Decision details

The Chesil Cove seawall is suffering from degradation and has reached the end of its serviceable life. The preferred option identified through the Outline Business Case (OBC) comprises refurbishment and strengthening of the existing seawall to prevent undermining and dissipate wave energy.

(a)  That the Outline Business Case for the Chesil Cove Seawall Improvements Scheme, be approved.

(b)  That the full value of the project and Dorset Council's capital contribution of up to £3.14 million towards delivery of the scheme and inclusion of the scheme within Dorset Council's Capital Programme, as detailed in section 7 of the report of 10 November 2026, be approved

(c)  That subject to confirmation of the external funding and the scheme remaining within the approved overall budget, the scheme be authorised to progress through to construction delivery including detailed design, procurement, environmental assessment, planning, marine licensing and other statutory approval processes.

(d)  That Cabinet authorise the submission of the Outline Business Case to the Environment Agency’s National Project Assurance Service and any relevant approval body.

(e)  That Cabinet authorise the ongoing drawdown and acceptance of external Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Grant in Aid and any additional external contributions secured for the scheme.

(f)    That subject to the total expenditure remaining within the approved budget and compliance with the Council’s procurement and financial regulations, authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy and Environment, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Place Services, to procure and award all works and associated professional services.

Reason for the decision

To enable Dorset Council to deliver a nationally significant coastal infrastructure resilience project which protected people, property, businesses, strategic transport infrastructure, economic activity, tourism and future investment, including opportunities such as MEMO, from the increasing risks associated with coastal erosion, landsliding and climate change.

The proposal was also expected to secure £7.34 million of external investment; deliver approximately £42.9 million of economic benefits; provide high value for money with a benefit cost ratio of approximately 3.9 and contribute directly to Dorset Council's strategic priorities relating to economic growth, resilient communities and climate adaptation, as well as other national strategic policies.