InformationFrequently asked questions
FAQs: Budleigh Salterton Beach and Cliff Management Plan
1. What is the Beach and Cliff Management Plan (BCMP)?
The Beach and Cliff Management Plan, often referred to as a BCMP, aims to understand how the beach and cliffs at Budleigh Salterton are changing. It looks at what practical steps could help manage the risks of coastal erosion and flooding in the future. It uses both scientific evidence and local knowledge to guide decisions that must balance risk to people and property, economic viability of options, and legal obligations with regard environmental designations.
2. Is this a new Shoreline Management Plan (SMP)?
No. The Shoreline Management Plan, often called an SMP, is a national policy document that sets out how different parts of the coastline should be managed over a 100-year period. It was created in 2011 for this stretch of the coast. An SMP does not build anything; it simply sets the overall direction of coastal food and erosion risk management policy, such as whether an area should continue to be defended, whether natural processes should be allowed to continue, or whether the approach should be adapted in future. The SMP is divides the coast into distinct length, known as policy units, based on assessment of technical, economic and environmental criteria and included public consultation at the time. The new Beach and Cliff Management Plan does not set-out to replace or change the SMP. Instead, it starts from the point of working within the policies already set and looks at what practical options are possible locally.
3. Does the SMP guarantee funding?
No. The SMP is non-statutory. This means the policies are followed to manage the coast. However, the funding or permissions to undertake work are not secured or guaranteed from the government. That requires further detailed assessment, however if you wish to secure government funding then one aspect is to show you are delivering the SMP policy.
4. Is the golf course and car park included in the Beach and Cliff Management Plan?
The focus on the BCMP is the town. We are considering the coastline around the car park and golf course as they are important for the town and bring many benefits. Government funding for mitigating actions does not cover the golf course as they are a private business.
5. Who is responsible for drainage, and are they involved?
Devon County Council is responsible for drainage on public roads, footpaths and surface-water systems. They are being engaged as part of this project so that drainage problems raised by residents, such as run-off from Jubilee Fields or water coming down the coastal path, can be properly assessed. If drainage improvements are needed, they will be considered with Devon County Council. Why is the cliff eroding?
The cliffs at Budleigh are made of soft sandstone, which wears away naturally. Heavy rain, hot summers and strong waves can all weaken the cliff. Some residents also raised concerns about water running down paths and across land; this will be investigated because surface water can sometimes make erosion worse.
6. Why are beach levels lower at the western end of the town?
Storms over the last decade, particularly since winter 2013/14, have pushed much of the shingle further east. This is a natural process. As the beach lowers at the western end, the cliffs there become more exposed and erosion can happen more quickly.
7. Will options such as groynes, breakwaters or rock structures be looked at?
Yes. A range of ideas suggested by residents will be considered as part of the initial long-list of options, including groynes, offshore breakwaters, rock armouring and other forms of cliff or beach protection. Each option will be checked to see whether it is realistic, environmentally acceptable and good value for money.
8. Will drainage improvements be examined?
Yes. Issues raised by residents, such as water running down the coastal path from Jubilee Fields, water flowing over Steamer Steps, or older drainage systems that may no longer work well, will all be reviewed. Devon County Council, as the drainage authority, will be directly engaged with in this part of the work.
9. Will the character and look of Budleigh be protected?
Residents said very clearly that the town’s natural beauty, views, quiet character and heritage are important, including the naturist beach. It is also part of the World Heritage Site. This will be one of the objectives taken into account when looking at potential options.
10. Has the SMP caused the erosion problems?
No. The SMP does not alter the coastline; it sets long-term policy based on understanding how the coast has formed and is likely to evolve in the future. The recent erosion and cliff falls are due to natural coastal processes, weather patterns and storm events, rather than the SMP.
11. What historic information has the community provided?
Residents supplied old photos, postcards, storm images and records of previous coastal works. Fairlynch Museum also provided useful historic material. These resources help the project understand longer-term changes to the coastline. We are very grateful to those who contributed.
12. What happens after the survey?
All the feedback and suggestions will be assessed during the options appraisal stage. This involves checking what is technically possible, environmentally suitable and financially viable. A shortlist of potential options will then be shared with the public for further comment.
13. Can the plan help with insurance or mortgage concerns?
The plan can explain coastal risks clearly, but it cannot make decisions for insurers or mortgage lenders. Because this worry was raised by many residents, clearer information about coastal change and risk will be provided as the project continues.
14. How are safety concerns being addressed?
Concerns about cliff falls, wave conditions, water quality, boat launching and access around Steamer Steps will all be included in the technical assessment of different potential future management options. Additional safety information will also be added to the project website where appropriate.
15. How will residents be kept up to date?
Further engagement opportunities will be offered. Updates will be posted on the council’s website and shared through newsletters, social media, Commonplace and local networks. A dedicated Frequently Asked Questions section will also be kept up to date.
16. I did not feel able to engage with the survey in December2025 and January 2026, will there be another opportunity to provide feedback to the council?
Yes. We were very sad to hear about the events on Christmas Day and our thoughts were with those affected. We extended the survey for two weeks until the end January because of this. There will be further opportunities for engagement and feedback in the coming months.
17. How do I report a cliff fall to?
Either report it through the East Devon District Council website or call customer service.
If there is a danger to life they would need to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
18. Who is responsible for the coastal paths and closing them if a cliff fall occurs?
The coast path in East Devon is maintained by East Devon District Council on behalf of Devon County Council. DCC are responsible for the path. DCC would be responsible for formally closing the path via legal order, but other authorities like the police/ EDDC could physically close it if they attend an incident.
19. Will the coast path be diverted inland at some point? If so, where will it go?
If cliff erosion continues, the coast path will inevitably be diverted in the future, either along other public rights of way, or by rolling the path back to the most seaward possible route.