Following the Paignton and Preston Seafront Masterplan approved by Cabinet in January 2023, a planning application for the coastal sea defence part of the scheme is now being prepared.   

We would like to hear from everyone that uses the seafronts on what they think of the more detailed plans for the sea defence part of the scheme. 

These sea defences, which are part of the wider Masterplan for the area, are needed on both Paignton and Preston seafronts to protect these areas and the town from rising sea levels over the next 50 years. It has been estimated that the total number of properties at risk of flooding is over 350. By providing defences now this risk can be drastically reduced.  

The Masterplan has been divided into phases and they will be completed when funding is available. The sea defence elements will be the first project to be delivered and £4.6milion has been secured from the Environment Agency, Section 106 contributions, and the Future High Streets Fund for this.  

There are three ways to get involved: 

• Online – You can now view the ideas for both seafronts, complete the consultation and leave comments. The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 18 June 2023
• Along with LDA Design we will be at the Paignton Club on Wednesday 7 June 2023 from 3.30 pm to 8 pm. Come along, see the plans, and leave your thoughts.
• Paper copies of the ideas and the consultation will be available in Paignton Library from Wednesday 7 June. They will be available from the Council reception desk. Completed consultations will need to be returned to the library by Monday 19 June 2023.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth, said: “The Masterplan for the seafront areas in Paignton and Preston has been developed to ensure we protect and improve the precious open spaces along these seafronts. The most important part of these plans is to protect Paignton town centre from flooding. Thank you to those that took part in the previous engagements, which have now helped shape the scheme. Please now look at the proposed plans and ideas that will be included in the planning application later this year.” 

Following this consultation, the feedback will be used to develop the full planning application for the sea defence part, which will be submitted this Autumn.