Council plans set to strengthen flood prevention and coastal defences

Dorset Council is set to boost the county’s resilience to flooding and coastal erosion if three key proposals are approved tomorrow (Tuesday 3 March).

The council’s Cabinet will review plans to join a South West Flood and Coastal (SWFaC) shared service, approve an outline business case for a new Swanage Beach Coastal Protection Scheme and to repair and stabilise West Bay’s harbour walls.

All three schemes, which will be heard at March's Cabinet meeting, aim to improve protection for communities, infrastructure and the local economy.

Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Place, Cllr Jon Andrews, said: “Dorset is already feeling the impact of more frequent and more intense weather events, and we must act decisively to protect our residents, our economy and our coastline.

“By strengthening our flood and coastal services and progressing schemes like the Swanage coastal protection project and West Bay harbour walls, we are investing in long‑term resilience for the whole county.

“These proposals show our commitment to working collaboratively, securing national funding and ensuring Dorset is better prepared for the challenges ahead.”

After 2026’s unprecedented weather, including record river levels and flooding, joining the SWFaC partnership will improve Dorset Council’s ability to secure national Grant in Aid funding.

It will also increase access to more experts, while reducing reliance on external consultants.

Being a full partner will strengthen collaboration with neighbouring authorities and the Environment Agency, will enhance community resilience and ensure a more consistent, well‑resourced service across Dorset.

If approved, the council’s current flood risk team will transfer to SWFaC.

Cabinet will also consider an outline business case for the Swanage Beach Coastal Protection Scheme, seeking approval to bid for £4 million Flood Defence Grant‑in‑Aid and commit £190,000 of council match funding.

The scheme would replenish beach levels to restore natural flood defences, install a new rock groyne to stabilise the beach and improve protection for the seawall, which is predicted to fail as early as 2029.

It will also safeguard more than 110 properties, key infrastructure and the town’s visitor economy.

If given the go-ahead and funding secured, the scheme is expected to be delivered in 2028.

Phase one repairs to West Bay’s harbour walls has been completed and Cabinet is now being asked to give the green light for phase two.

This would restore structural strength to Wall B, raise its height to reinstate its flood defence function, and stabilise Wall A through ground stabilisation.

Cabinet members are also being asked to approve further investigation into options for council-owned buildings on the harbour that have been affected by localised ground movement.

West Bay’s inner harbour provides critical infrastructure for the council’s commercial harbour activity, local business operations, tourism and flood defence.

You can view the Cabinet papers on all these proposals online.