An ‘indicative allocation’ of funding has been made towards protecting Sidmouth from flooding and coastal erosion – but the options are still being costed.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) applied for the cash before it began drawing up the town’s beach management plan (BMP) so it could join the queue for funding.

It was set to be paid over the next two financial years to protect 120 properties at risk of tidal flooding and 12 at risk of coastal erosion – but the authority now has to assess how the Autumn Statement will affect the Environment Agency’s capital budget.

The scope of the works is also likely to be wider.

An EDDC spokeswoman said it was ‘normal practice’ to bid for projects in advance to join the agency’s six-year programme and it was made ‘based on the understanding of the problem at the time’. Further approval will be needed before any works can start. The spokeswoman added: “Based on feedback from the project so far, the current estimate of the value of works is likely to increase as it is clear that more works are justified. It is a priority for us that we finish the BMP as soon as possible, so that information on the current programme can be updated and approved.”

The options currently being considered include replacing the Jacob’s Ladder promenade, removal of the rock groynes, new offshore breakwaters and a higher sea wall.