Torcross sea defences edge towards next step as boulders back in sight

The enormous boulders destined to protect Torcross from the sea are finally back in sight, bringing renewed hope that work on the village's long-awaited £20m sea defences could gather pace this weekend.

After a fortnight of weather-related delays, the rock-carrying vessel Alanna M and support barge Hound Dog have returned to the South Devon coast, with crews hoping to begin unloading the enormous boulders in the coming days.

The ships had been expected to arrive on Friday, October 23, but poor sea conditions and, ironically, storms delayed the delivery, with the vessels having to dock in Plymouth to wait for calmer weather.

Now, with the skies clearing and the ships back off Torcross, there is a growing sense of anticipation among residents and visitors.

Standing at the Tank car park, overlooking the sea and the vessels waiting offshore, a steady stream of people could be seen watching developments. Site workers have been chatting with onlookers and keeping them informed as preparations continue onshore, whilst locals could be heard sharing their recommendations at the pub.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "The first rocks for the Torcross coastal defence scheme will be delivered to the beach later today with the installation starting this weekend.

"Boats carrying the rock are anchored off site and waiting for favourable sea conditions to move towards shore.

"The beach is now closed to the public as construction activity increases in and around the area."

There is, however, an understandable reluctance to get too carried away. After months of uncertainty and repeated delays, many will be waiting until the first boulders are actually in place before celebrating.

A Kier worker on site said the next stage remained weather-dependent, with the sea needing to calm further, but conditions were looking promising for the weekend.

Emma Wilson, Kitchen Manager at the Start Bay Inn, said there was widespread support in the village for the scheme and relief that work was moving forward.

"Obviously we would have liked to have seen it started before the first storm came in, but we're just grateful that work is happening and the village will be protected.

"Most people are really supportive; there are some people who think it's a waste of money and we should let the village go to the sea, but they’re not the ones who live or work here.

"The worst storms are usually in January/February time, so as long as [the rock armour] is in place by then, I don't think it matters too much that it’s a bit late – no one can control the weather."

Barriers have now been installed along the sea wall, while floodlights have been erected to allow construction crews to work into the winter nights.

The operation will be carefully timed around the tides. A protective membrane will be laid first, followed by smaller rocks delivered by road. The much larger boulders will then be brought into position using machinery at low tide, with the incoming tide helping them settle into place.

Site workers said crews would be working day and night to make the most of the available tidal windows, unloading rocks from the vessels at high tide before moving them into position when the water recedes.

It is understood that workers could cover an area measuring approximately 5m by 20m during a single low tide, potentially allowing for rapid progress once the marine works begin.

The two vessels are not the last expected to arrive either, with further deliveries of rock armour still to come as the scheme progresses.

This £19.8m project, funded by the Environment Agency, is intended to strengthen protection for homes along Torcross seafront following the extensive damage caused by storms earlier this year.

The village suffered significant damage to properties and coastal infrastructure, while a section of the nearby Slapton Line (A379) was destroyed and remains the subject of a separate repair and funding effort.

The sea defence works are expected to continue over the coming weeks, with the arrival of the first major cargoes marking a significant step towards giving the exposed village greater protection.

For now, residents are keeping their eyes on the horizon and hoping that, weather permitting, this weekend will finally see some enormous boulders landing on the shoreline.