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Paignton and Preston Promenade coastal flood protection scheme

We are planning new sea defences to protect Paignton and Preston seafronts. These changes will also make public spaces better for everyone.

Updated 29 September 2025

What’s happening?

We want to protect homes and businesses from flooding caused by rising sea levels. Over the next 50 years, more than 350 properties in Paignton and Preston could be at risk. We are taking action now to keep people safe and protect the future of our towns.

What is the scheme?

We are building stronger sea defences and improving the promenades. These areas will be easier to use, with better seating, paths, and plants. The changes will make the seafronts more attractive for visitors and help local businesses grow.

When will work start?

Work will begin in September 2025 after the main summer season. This helps local businesses and visitors enjoy the area before construction starts.

  • Paignton: Work will happen in three phases and is expected to finish by summer 2027
  • Preston: Work will happen in one phase and is expected to finish by spring 2027

No development will take place during the six-week summer holiday period in 2026. The development compounds will still be in place.

The company Knights Brown will carry out the building work.

What to expect during construction

Building the new defences will take time. There may be some disruption, but we’ll try to keep things running smoothly.

  • The promenades will stay open to walk along, but they may be narrower in some places.
  • Beach access might change slightly, but both beaches will stay open.
  • Events on Paignton and Preston Greens may be affected, but we’ll work to keep them going.

Why this matters

This project is part of a bigger plan to make Torbay a better place to live, work, and visit. It supports goals in the Torbay Community and Corporate Plan, which focuses on:

  • Supporting people and communities
  • Improving public spaces
  • Growing the local economy

By investing in our coastline, we’re helping people feel proud of where they live and making sure our towns stay safe and welcoming for future generations.

How is the scheme being funded?

The project is mostly paid for by the UK Government, through the Environment Agency and other funding programmes like the Government Flood Defence Grant in Aid initiative (GFDIA) and the Future High Streets & Levelling up fund.

So far, £13.5 million has been committed to protect homes, businesses, and the town centres in Paignton and Preston.

Keep up to date with any news about the scheme by signing up to receive our One Torbay and Paignton Projects newsletters

Your questions 

How will you be ensuring that the contractor completes the project on time?

The Contractor will be managed via the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) which places a strong emphasis on managing time and the programme. The.framework is designed to encourage collaboration, transparency, and proactive risk management to achieve projects on time. Our project management team will work closely with the contractor to monitor progress.

The agreed Contract Programme is legally binding and reviewed on a regular basis and can only be varied by agreement only which must constitute a demonstrable change in circumstances.

How will you be keeping the community informed about the project?

We’ll use a range of channels to keep businesses and the community informed on the project and programme of works:

  • Social media
  • Resident newsletters – One Torbay, Paignton Projects
  • Press releases
  • Dedicated webpage – phasing of the project and comprehensive list of FAQs
  • Information boards around the development sites

We’ll also be working with Paignton Chamber of Commerce to set up a local business forum.

Will development continue over the summer?     

There will be a development embargo during the School Summer Holiday Period, meaning no works on development will take place during those dates. This will reduce the impact on the peak summer holiday period. Development compounds will however remain in place until spring/summer 2027.

Will the beaches be closed during development?

No, the beaches will remain open throughout development. Where necessary for public safety, the number of access points to the beach may be reduced.

Will the greens be closed during development?

Sections of the greens at Paignton South and Preston will be required to house developer compounds throughout the development. Detail on this can be found in the most recent design drawings. Access to the remaining areas will be limited to those areas outside of the development areas.

Will the promenade be closed during development?

Sections of the promenade at Paignton will be open with a reduced width of 2m (this is the standard requirement width of a footpath), limited to pedestrian access, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Cars will still be able to access a reduced number of parking spaces along the front, away from the phase of development currently under construction. The promenade at Preston will be open with a reduced width of 2m to pedestrians, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The promenades will remain open with the exception of a short period of resurfacing at the end of the development phases.

Cyclists are kindly asked to dismount their bike before entering any of the marked footpath area or to use an alternative route along Esplanade Road.

Has the potential disruption to local businesses caused by construction traffic has been assessed? Specifically:

    1. Will any road closures be required during the works?

      The Eastern Esplanade at Paignton will have partial closures throughout the three development phases. No specific restrictions will be required away from the sites.

    2. How many heavy vehicles are expected to be brought in on a daily basis?

      The vast majority of the Sea Defence structure will be developed off-site. This will help to reduce the numbers of deliveries of loose materials to the site. Pre-cast concrete sections (approx. 2m x 2m) will be transported whole to maintain a steady stream of continuous installation.

Would it be possible to divide the green at Preston into two sections and carry out the sea defence works in phases - completing one half of the site before relocating operations to the other half?

A single phase of development is required at Preston in order to return all beach huts for the 2027 season, limiting disruption to beach hut users. This is also required to make sure we complete the total scheme within the required time.

Would it be possible to provide more accessible temporary toilet facilities on site during the works?

Existing Public Toilet facilities are planned to remain open during construction with no reduction in availability/capacity.

Will the toilets under Shoreline remain open?

Yes for phases 1 and 2, however access will be limited during Phase 3 of the works during Spring/Summer 2027. The toilets are included in the final design once the development is completed.

Will the Changing Places facility still be accessible?

Yes for phases 1 and 2, however access will be limited during Phase 3 of the works during Spring/Summer 2027. The facility is included in the final design once the development is completed.

Could you provide temporary changing room facilities and lockers during the works, to allow continued public access to the beach for swimming? This would help maintain recreational use of the area while construction is ongoing.

There are no plans to provide additional facilities such as temporary changing room facilities and lockers during the works.

Could a social area be provided on Preston Green to allow the beach hut community to gather during the 2026 season?

A large amount of the green will remain available throughout the development phase for use and social gatherings.

What if a storm happens and delays the project? Who will pay the costs?

This situation is known as ‘force majeure’. We would have to pay the costs as the risk of unforeseen natural events delaying the project is uninsurable. Project timelines are always subject to unforeseen events, with potential for delays and costs to the project.

Will I still be able to bring my children to the Geoplay Park?

The Geoplay Park will not be impacted by phases 1 and 2 of the scheme. Phase 3 may require closure of the park. This phase is scheduled from winter 2026 to late spring 2027. We will provide more detail as we approach that phase.

Where can I find nearby blue badge parking?

Blue badge parking will be available along the seafront at Paignton during all construction phases. Additional blue badge parking is available on Torbay Road. Parking is unaffected at Preston.

Where is the nearest on street parking or car park?

On street parking will be available at Paignton seafront throughout the development phases. Alternative parking is available at Victoria Car Park, TQ4 6AU. Visit the Torbay Council webpages to find more detail on all local car parks. Parking is unaffected at Preston.

What businesses will be open?

Businesses that operate all year round will be open and accessible.

Can I walk my dog on the beach?

Yes, you’ll be able to walk your dog on the beach in line with the annual seasonal restrictions.

Will the English Riviera Airshow be taking place in 2026? What about other annual events that support the local economy?

Yes, the English Riviera Airshow is planned for the 29-31 May. Development will be paused during this period. Unfortunately, there will be a reduction of available space for events during construction. Please be assured that we are working to ensure that events can still go ahead where possible. Get in contact with our events team to discuss plans for events during the construction phases.

Where will I be able to sit once you have taken benches and seating areas away?

No benches are proposed to be removed outside of the development areas. Once the development is completed, a significant number of seating areas will be available along both seafronts.

Developing this project

  • Phase One: February to March 2022. Understanding the existing situation.
  • Phase Two: Starting Monday 23 May 2022. Running for three weeks. Visions, principles and design options.
  • Phase Three: June to July 2022. Review of the ideas.
  • Masterplan Approved by Cabinet: January 2023.
  • Pre-planning Consultation: Autumn 2023.
  • Planning application submitted: Late 2023.

Pre-planning consultation September/October 2023

During this phase, all interested parties could give feedback on the plan before we sent it to the Local Planning Authority.

We held an in-person event on 7 September 2023 with over 60 people in attendance. This was as well as Social Media posts promoting the online consultation,

Of those people who responded to the most recent round of consultations:

  • 70% liked the materials shown in the presentation. This Includes a caveat linked to concerns over the use of timber furniture on the coastal edge.
  • 76% liked the trees and planting suggested. Some comments requesting ‘more trees’ across the scheme.
  • 61% felt they had been provided with enough information.
  • 74% supported these proposals.

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Contacts

If you have any questions about the scheme, please send us an email engagement@torbay.gov.uk.

Find out more about our contractor.