Storm Damage
A combination of several easterly storms, large waves, high tides and surge conditions during January and February 2026 caused significant damage to the A379 between Sands Road and Torcross.
Multiple breaches of the road have compromised approximately 750 metres of highway, requiring various states of repair.
Funding Bid Submitted to the Department for Transport
Devon County Council submitted a draft business case to the Department for Transport (DfT) on 19 June 2026 for a proposal (set out in the preliminary drawings below), at an estimated cost of £20 million.
The proposal includes:
- 200 metres of sheet piled walls at two locations where the road has collapsed
- Approximately 700 metres of supplementing rock armour to existing sections
- Approximately 750 metres of new rock armour
This is a preliminary proposal which was designed and costed by Devon County Council to ensure it could be considered by Government as part of this round of funding bids.
On 3 August 2026, Devon County Council submitted a Structures Fund Application to the Department for Transport which included:
- Two draft economic toolkits and a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) calculation
- A copy of the Hardisty Jones 2023 report ‘The Economic Impact of the Slapton Line’
- Letters of Support
- An inspection report of the retaining wall from September 2022
Thank you for your support
Devon County Council would like to thank the many individuals, organisations, businesses, community groups and local representatives who have supported the development of this funding bid. The strong response and letters of support received have helped demonstrate the importance of restoring and protecting this vital transport link for residents, businesses and visitors. A selection of additional letters of support, received as part of the bid process but not included within the Department for Transport submission due to document limits, can be viewed below.
Proposed Reinstatement of the Road
If the Department for Transport agrees to provide the required funding for the proposal set out above, detailed design and environmental considerations can begin.
Looking ahead
Regardless of the outcome of the Department for Transport funding decision, the ongoing evolution of the shingle bar and future storms may continue to affect other sections of the A379. Devon County Council’s focus is therefore to continue working with partners on the development of the Adaptation Plan, and in particular the implementation of an improvement programme for inland routes.
Anticipated timeline
| Milestone | Projected timescale |
| Funding decision | Autumn 2026 |
| Funding agreement | Winter 2026/27 |
| Detailed design and surveys | 2026/27 |
| Environmental assessment and consents | 2026/27 – 2027/28 |
| Procurement | Late 2027/28 |
| Contractor mobilisation | March – April 2028 |
| Construction start | April 2028 |
Preliminary drawings
Structures fund application – documents
DCC – Slapton Structures Fund Submission