Iconic Lyme Regis Cobb threatened by erosion
The Cobb has featured in books and films, including an upcoming Willy Wonka film
It's been in novels and films but work is now needed to protect Lyme Regis' famous Cobb from erosion.
The Cobb featured in Jane Austen's 'Persuasion' and the novel and film 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'.
Most recently it was used for filming of an upcoming Willy Wonka project starring Timothée Chalamet.
In a report to Dorset Council's Cabinet on Tuesday 5 April, Dorset Council officers are seeking approval of a business case seeking funding for repair and reinforcement works on the Cobb in Lyme Regis.
Recent investigations have revealed significant signs of sea-floor erosion, which is slowly destabilising the structure. Walking surfaces on the Cobb are generally poor, restricting access for the less-abled, and the landing quay is not currently fit-for-purpose. Utility services to the Cobb’s buildings and landing quay are also in poor condition.
The proposed 5th phase of the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme will see the strengthening and improvements for the Cobb structure. This would involve: -
• Construction of a sheet pile and concrete toe wall on both sides of the Cobb structure at the Causeway, the Gin Shop, and the Roundabout areas
• Resurfacing of a strip of the low walkway using historically appropriate materials and techniques at the Causeway, the Gin Shop, and the Roundabout
• Resurfacing of the Landing Quay using modern materials and techniques that are suitable for an active working harbour
• Improving utility infrastructure to The Cobb buildings and Landing Quay areas
• Other minor improvements.
As owner and coast protection authority, Dorset Council is responsible for maintenance and repair of the Grade 1 Listed Cobb harbour structures. Since the early 1990s, the Council has promoted restoration and strengthening of the structures as part of its Lyme Regis Environmental Improvements Scheme.
This project will provide coastal protection to 37 properties as well as maintain the recreational and heritage value of Lyme Bay, and continued operation of Lyme Regis Harbour. The Cobb is also an important tourist attraction, and its reduced use would have a negative impact on the local economy.
If approved, Dorset Council’s Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management team will lead and project manage the scheme, with specialist consultants providing professional support. Pending further discussions with partners such as Historic England, work is proposed to start on site in Winter 2023 and completed in March 2024.
Pending further approval by the Environment Agency (EA) National Project Assurance Board, the scheme is set to cost around £3m. £2.5m would come from flood defence Grant-in-Aid (FDGiA), supported by Community Infrastructure Levy and S106 contributions of £475k received by Dorset Council.
Officers will work with key consultees on the project, including local residents, Dorset Council’s Harbours Committee, Lyme Regis Harbour Consultative Group, Lyme Regis Town Council, Historic England, the Environment Agency, Natural England, and local fisherman and businesses.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“Lyme Regis’s Cobb is a beautiful structure and tourist attraction that benefits residents, local businesses and visitors alike, so we have to make sure it is kept strong and safe, while maintaining its Grade 1 historic value. This business plan sets out how we plan to fund these works and I’m more than happy to support its approval.
Dorset Council has pledged to deliver services in ways that protect our natural, historic, and cultural environments, and to lead and support communities to respond to climate and ecological change. This scheme helps support those goals, and we’ll continue informing and working with the local community as the plans proceed.”