Concerns over sea defence plans for Unesco beach

A petition has been launched to stop a council adding a rock revetment to part of a Unesco World Heritage site.

Dorset Council has announced a consultation for planned work at Chesil Cove, at the south east end of Chesil Beach on Portland.

The work includes using boulders to protect the curved sea wall but locals are concerned about how the movement of material further down the beach would be affected.

The council said the project was still in its early stages and residents are being invited to "learn the facts behind the need for improvements".

Rock revetments work by slowing down waves and deflecting them away from the sea wall to protect it from erosion.

But Portland resident Storm Wallace said it would be "tampering with the natural movement" of sediment, which she said was crucial to maintaining the beach further down.

"Also, from a view point, it's going to look terrible," she said.

"We absolutely don't want that to happen."

One person who signed the petition said the work would destroy a "much-loved bathing area", whereas another said the cove was a "magical... sheltered part" of the beach.

Another person said: "There must be a better way of [preserving] the sea wall without spoiling the beginning of such an iconic beach, loved by thousands."

According to the project's overview on the Dorset Coast Forum, various studies have taken place and found that urgent action is needed to protect the sea wall.

It also said that if no action was taken at the site, the main A354 road would be at risk as well as coastal paths, homes and chalets.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said it was "disappointing" people were "drawing conclusions around the need for this project before the evidence has been presented to the public".

"The project is currently at concept stage, with an outline business plan being put forward to the Environment Agency for approval," they said.

"The project team are inviting residents, key stakeholders, businesses, and visitors to Chesil Cove to learn the facts behind the need for improvements to the defences, and a potential option that will be included in the plan."

An online event is being held on 23 September and a drop-in event on Portland on 25 September with more details.

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