Reconstruction of the Collapsed Road in Shaldon

1. Please can I have all information about the reconstruction of the collapsed road in Shaldon, located at ///firms.burn.fluctuate on What3Words.

Please see attached correspondence

Please note, some information including detailed utilities plans, is excepted from disclosure under Regulation 12(5)(a) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

The Council considers that disclosure of detailed utility network information could adversely affect public safety. Detailed plans identify the location and configuration of infrastructure such as water, electricity, telecommunications and other essential services. Disclosure could increase the risk of accidental damage to critical infrastructure, disruption of essential services, or deliberate misuse of the information. Given the nature of the collapsed road site and the works required to reconstruct it, maintaining the security of this infrastructure is an important public safety consideration.

The Council recognises the public interest in transparency regarding the reconstruction of the collapsed road, including understanding the factors affecting the design, cost and delivery of the scheme. Disclosure would promote public accountability and enable greater public understanding of the challenges associated with the works. However, there is a stronger public interest in protecting public safety and the integrity of critical infrastructure. Releasing detailed utility plans could increase the risk of damage to infrastructure, disruption to essential services and risks to those working on or around the site. Having considered the presumption in favour of disclosure under Regulation 12(2), the Council has concluded that the public interest favours maintaining the exception.

Furthermore, some information is excepted from disclosure under Regulation 13(1) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Devon County Council can confirm the requested information is held; however, the Council cannot disclose personal information, if releasing it would contravene any of the provisions in the UK General Data Protection Regulation.  In this instance release of this information would contravene Principle (a) – Lawful, Fairness, and Transparency – of the UK GDPR and therefore the information is withheld.

2. I’d like the current, cumulative costs of the temporary traffic lights set up there, the costs of studies/proposals for the reconstruction, any plans/cancelled plans about the reconstruction and timelines in which the reconstruction will take place.

The running total for the TM (Traffic Lights) at A379 Shaldon, up to the week ending 02/08/26 is £8636.16

Engineering Design Group’s design fees are as follows.

2025/26 – £14,180.94
2026/27 – £25,552.84 (correct up to 16/08/2026)

All other scheme-related costs have been included within the correspondence enclosed under question 1.

Due to the complexity of the scheme, Devon County Council is currently unable to provide a proposed date for reconstruction. Progress of the works is dependent on a number of factors that are outside the Council’s direct control. These include the completion of the detailed design for the proposed Platipus anchor system by an external designer, requirements and approvals from utility providers in relation to the proposed anchors, and the programming and completion of any necessary utility diversion works, which must take place before reconstruction of the wall can commence.

Devon County Council holds information relating to this matter; however, they are subject to legal professional privilege. The Council considers that Regulation 12(5)(b) of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 applies, as disclosure would adversely affect the course of justice and the ability of parties to obtain confidential legal advice. We recognise that there is a public interest in openness and transparency regarding the management of public funds, decision-making processes and legal considerations relating to the proposed reconstruction works. However, there is a strong public interest in protecting the confidentiality of legal advice and maintaining legal professional privilege. Public authorities must be able to obtain full and frank legal advice in confidence in order to make informed decisions and manage legal risks effectively. Disclosure would be likely to undermine the Council’s ability to seek and receive candid legal advice in the future and could prejudice the Council’s position in any current or future legal proceedings or negotiations associated with the scheme. Accordingly, the information is withheld under Regulation 12(5)(b).

3. I’d also like any meeting notes from meetings/sections of meeting that involved the discussion of the collapsed road, and anything that may explain why it has been over 2 years with no work done.

Devon County Council does not hold this information as they were not recorded.