Last night Dorset Council approved funding to help secure the long term future of The Cobb.
A total of £6.2m of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a fund collected from new developments and used for essential local infrastructure, will be committed towards safeguarding The Cobb,
This funding will support essential stabilisation and repair works, while preserving The Cobb’s historic character and vital role in sheltering Lyme Regis harbour.
Alongside the funding decision, Dorset Council, Historic England, Natural England and the Environment Agency have formed a joint working group to finalise plans for both immediate repairs and longer term solutions.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “The Cobb is incredibly important to Lyme Regis, not just as a historic landmark, but as a working harbour structure that protects the town.
“Committing £6.2 million of Community Infrastructure Levy funding is a clear signal of how seriously we take our responsibility to protect it for future generations. The investment will also provide a stronger case for match funding elsewhere.
“This is about making sure development across Dorset helps safeguard the places people care about most.”
Recent coastal damage to The Cobb resulted in a large void appearing in its wall and demonstrates why long-term stabilisation is needed. Attempts to permanently repair the void, following emergency temporary repairs last autumn, were paused after 1.5 metres of shingle blocked access to the site. Repairs are expected to resume next month (18-19 May), which is the next suitable low tide.
These developments represent an important step towards a more joined?up, long?term approach to safeguarding this iconic structure.
