Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a 'significant shift' in the Beach Management Plan (BMP), after hearing an update on it from the BMP Chairman Councillor Geoff Jung, who is also East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment.

He presented the report at the Chamber's monthly Zoom breakfast meeting on Wednesday, December 9.

The meeting also received a presentation by the East Devon MP Simon Jupp. Here's a report on the meeting, by the Chamber's President, Richard Eley.

Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce's monthly Zoom breakfast was very well attended. Members were given a presentation by Simon Jupp, East Devon's MP, followed by a power point delivery by Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC Portfolio Holder for the Environment, and Chairman of Sidmouth's Beach Management Plan.

Simon inevitably concentrated upon the current situation with the coronavirus epidemic, expressing disappointment that Sidmouth finds itself in Tier 2. We all hope, of course, that cases will continue to decline and Sidmouth's designation may go to Tier 1. Recent numbers have shown significant improvement and he met with the Health Secretary this week to push the case for move Devon until Tier 1 at the next review, held next week.

He went on to explain that he has been busy lobbying for local businesses, and was delighted to see fresh support offered to Exeter Chiefs and Exeter Airport. The importance of Exeter Airport and the possible resurrection of Flybe cannot be overstated for a nearby town like Sidmouth that has such a reliance upon the hospitality sector.

He recognised the opportunities ahead in East Devon for future government funding focused on regeneration and levelling up. As a resident of Sidmouth, he's always keen to discuss opportunities for the town and speaks regularly with Sidmouth Town Council to explore ways to support our community.

The update on the Beach Management Plan

Councillor Jung concentrated upon presenting the changing background to the Sidmouth Beach Management Plan. In what appeared to be a significant shift, he stated that a high solid wall on Sidmouth's Esplanade was inappropriate and undesirable, and would be unlikely to be included in the BMP. This was very well received by Chamber members: the Chamber has strongly opposed the idea of a 'Big Wall' for Sidmouth.

He also emphasised that EDDC's team were adopting an open-minded approach and were looking at 'every possible option'. Some of the possibilities were explored by participants, including various offshore solutions. Cllr Jung also indicated that there was considerable effort being made to look at increased protection for Sidmouth from flooding via the Ham's river frontage. His presentation included an explanation of the recent Plymouth University study, which predicts very rapid erosion at East Beach and the loss of a large number of residential properties on Salcombe Hill.

Town Council Chairman, Cllr Ian Barlow, welcomed the new position with regard to the 'Big Wall', and went on to recommend a rock revetment for East Beach. He also supported a more flexible approach.