The A379 coast road between Torcross and Strete offers an important transport link between local communities, as well as providing a secondary emergency route to Dartmouth. The road sits atop a shingle barrier between the sea and Slapton Ley.

In last year’s storms, significant damage was caused to the single ridge and bastions. A substantial amount of shingle was washed away from the beach, including up to nearly half from individual bastions which provide protection for the road. 

Although seasonal weather usually ensures that the shingle returns during the summer, this hasn’t happened this year and large deposits have built up at...