Essential repairs planned for Chesil Cove coastal defences in Portland

Repairs to coastal defences at Chesil Cove are set to begin in early October after inspections identified significant damage to the seawall.

Recent surveys found holes in the steel piling, along with voids behind the structure that require urgent attention ahead of the winter storm season.

Much of the damage is hidden beneath beach shingle and can only be seen during low tide or when sections of the beach are excavated.

Work is expected to start on or around 5 October, subject to weather and tidal conditions, and is anticipated to take around two weeks to complete.

The seawall plays a vital role in protecting the shoreline and nearby infrastructure from erosion and storm damage.

Contractors will temporarily excavate beach shingle to expose the damaged sections of sheet piling. Steel patches will then be welded into place before the voids behind the structure are filled and the beach is reinstated.

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

"Much of the damage is hidden beneath the beach and isn't visible to people visiting the cove, but detailed inspections have shown that repairs are needed now.

"These repairs will help strengthen the seawall ahead of the winter storm season and reduce the risk of further deterioration.

"This work is an important short-term measure while we continue to develop longer-term options for the future of Chesil Cove.

We know how important this area is to residents and visitors, and we're working to keep disruption to a minimum while repairs are carried out."

A temporary construction compound will be established near Victoria Square during the works. Machinery will access the repair site via Chesil Beach before returning to the compound at the end of each working day.

Temporary fencing and exclusion zones will be in place around the work area, and visitors are asked to follow all signage and instructions from site staff.

Public access to Chesil Beach will remain available throughout the works via the north steps. However, the south steps immediately adjacent to the construction area will be temporarily closed and will reopen once the repairs have been completed.

The council has worked closely with environmental specialists and regulators to agree access arrangements for the project. Measures will be in place throughout the works to minimise impacts on the beach environment and protected habitats.

While these repairs address urgent defects in the existing structure, work is continuing to develop a longer-term solution for Chesil Cove and further updates are expected later in the year. More information about the wider project can be found on the Dorset Coast. More information about the wider project can be found on the Dorset Coast Forum website:

Residents, businesses and beach users will continue to be kept informed as the project progresses.