The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that accelerated coastal erosion in the villages of Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands has had a devastating impact on residents and businesses including significant damage to properties; and further declares that the partial destruction of the A379 Slapton Line will have a significant economic and social impact on the wider area, due to increased travel times including for the emergency services.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to support coastal communities affected by coastal erosion in Start Bay, including the villages of Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands, in the short and long term.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Caroline Voaden, Official Report, 23 February 2026; Vol. 781, c. 153.]
[P003163]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy): The Government sympathise with those impacted by coastal erosion in Start bay and thank the petitioners for raising this important issue.
The Government are committed to supporting coastal communities and ensuring coastal risk management is fit for the challenges we face now and in the future. That is why, between April 2024 and March 2026, around £609 million is being invested into protection from sea flooding, tidal flooding and coastal erosion.
Alongside this, on 28 January, we announced £30 million for coastal adaptation pilots to support adaptation actions such as relocating or adapting community buildings, early warning systems, and improving beach access in areas facing coastal erosion across the country.
Locally, the Environment Agency continues to support South Hams district council and affected communities through its role in the Slapton line partnership. The SLP co-ordinates policy for managing coastal change in the area and ensures that local communities and businesses participate in the planning and delivery of coastal adaptation.
Following the recent storms, we understand that the EA sea defences in front of properties in Torcross have shown signs of movement, but preliminary investigations have identified the defences as being sound. In addition, the EA flood defences in front of properties at south Beesands performed well with no reports of significant flooding or damage.
The Government continue to invest significantly in improving local highway infrastructure, and Devon and Torbay combined authority will benefit from substantial highways funding for both maintenance and enhancement over the coming years. We will ensure the council is kept informed as further details on access to the structures fund are confirmed.
The Government will continue to work closely with local authorities to support coastal areas to improve their resilience to flooding and coastal erosion.