Dorset Council is set to commit £6.2 million of developer contribution funding to help secure the long term future of The Cobb in Lyme Regis, one of the county’s most iconic and historic landmarks.
It was approved by Cabinet on Tuesday 21 April, a total of £6.2m of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), will be committed towards safeguarding The Cobb.
CIL funding is money collected from new developments to help pay for important local infrastructure, including coastal defences and heritage structures like The Cobb.
This funding will support essential stabilisation and repair works, while preserving The Cobb’s historic character and vital role in sheltering Lyme Regis harbour.
Alongside the funding decision, Dorset Council, Historic England, Natural England and the Environment Agency have formed a joint working group to finalise plans for both immediate repairs and longer term solutions.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “The Cobb is incredibly important to Lyme Regis, not just as a historic landmark, but as a working harbour structure that protects the town.
“Committing £6.2 million of Community Infrastructure Levy funding is a clear signal of how seriously we take our responsibility to protect it for future generations. The investment will also provide a stronger case for match funding elsewhere.
“This is about making sure development across Dorset helps safeguard the places people care about most.”
Recent coastal damage to The Cobb resulted in a large void appearing in its wall and demonstrates why long-term stabilisation is needed.
Attempts to permanently repair the void, following emergency temporary repairs last autumn, were paused after 1.5 metres of shingle blocked access to the site. Repairs are expected to resume next month (18-19 May), which is the next suitable low tide.
Cllr Andrews added: “The recent repair attempts to the void show just how challenging repairing The Cobb can be.
“This is why it’s so important that all the organisations involved in protecting The Cobb are working together on the right long term solution.”
Partnership meetings and site visits, hosted by the independent Dorset Coast Forum, have been held.
Together, the partners are marking a significant move towards a coordinated, long term approach to stabilising The Cobb.
Updates on The Cobb stabilisation project will be shared through the Dorset Coast Forum website.
Image: Representatives from Dorset Council, Dorset Coast Forum, Historic England, Natural England and Environment Agency at a recent sit visit to The Cobb, credit: Dorset Council