InformationIntroduction to the Exmouth BMP Update

Purpose of the BMP Update

The area that is covered by the BMP (below), from Orcombe Point to Exmouth Marina, is at risk of both coastal flooding and erosion.

The BMP sets out how these risks can be managed, and how the beach and coastal defences will be maintained going forwards.

Since the 2015 Exmouth BMP, there are a number of developments that now need to be considered, such as the:

• many more years of coastal monitoring data available, which need to be reviewed and analysed to further the understanding of beach dynamics and the processes of beach level lowering and recovery
• climate change guidance, that was updated in 2018 and changes to the assumed rates of sea level rise. This will impact on short and long-term beach and coastal defence management approaches

The map above illustrates the Exmouth BMP areas at risk of flooding and erosion in greater detail. The areas shared in blue are in the Environment Agency Flood Zone 3. The green line represents short-term erosion risks, the orange line indicates medium-term erosion risk, and the thick red lines show where there is longer-term erosion risk. The thinner red line with arrows divides the BMP area into three zones (western, central, and Eastern).

Project stages

This project to update Exmouth's BMP began in October 2023 and is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.

The project will be undertaken in stages, which have been summarised below:

• Stage 1 – Data is collected and reviewed to provide evidence that will inform the update to the BMP
• Stage 2 - The project team analyses natural processes to see how these are impacted by climate change, and what would happen if nothing was done to manage them
• Stage 3 -  Future Management Regime Appraisal by undertaking a critical review and update of 2015 BMP options appraisal considering latest technical, environmental and economic evidence. New statutory environmental assessments and public consultation will be part of this stage.  The project team have engaged with local stakeholders as part of identifying and assessing the technical, environmental and economic suitability of options for managing the risk of coastal erosion and flooding along the BMP area.  

  This has resulted in three possible leading options being identified for how the risk of coastal flooding and erosion can be managed: the National Economic Leading Option, the Local Aspirational Option and the Backup option. Each type of option outlines the planned coastal defence interventions during different periods of time, the short, medium and long term.

  You can view the leading options report which explains the three options and the briefing note which provides information on the options below      
• Exmouth Beach Management Plan Update leading options report 
• Exmouth Beach Management Plan Briefing note
• Stage 4 - Updated BMP documents will be produced and submitted for approval by EDDC’s Cabinet. Once approved, the updated BMP will be published and will guide the management of Exmouth's beach and coastal defences. 

Public Consultation Feedback Summary Initial Findings Report

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Exmouth Beach Management Plan update. We would also like to thank you for your attendance at the three drop-in events that were hosted in Exmouth. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of coastal defences and ensuring Exmouth remains protected from flooding and erosion.

The public consultation summary initial findings report has now been completed and is available to view by clicking the link PDF link below. The report sets out the consultation results, outlining how each of the three proposed options was received by respondents.

Exmouth Beach Management consultation summary report pdf

The project team is now reviewing all feedback to help develop the final version of the plan. This summary marks the first stage of reporting back.

A more detailed report will be published in summer/autumn. It will outline the recommendations, any amendments made following engagement, and the proposed next steps for the Exmouth Beach Management Plan

The project team and AECOM are in the process of considering the feedback to develop the final plan.

A more detailed report will be published in July. It will outline the recommendations, amendments following engagement, and the proposed next steps for the Exmouth Beach Management Plan.

We appreciate your engagement in this important process. If you would like to stay updated on the project’s progress, we encourage you to keep an eye on our website, commonplace site and communications.

Project team

EDDC's consultants AECOM are leading on the technical delivery of this project, and experts from the Environment Agency and BCP Council are providing support to the council.