General Discussion
Dawlish won't be "well connected" if future storms and high tides destroy parts of the railway and A379
This letter is in the most recent edition of the Dawlish Gazette.
" I have been following the erosion of the dunes and the movement of the beach at Dawlish Warren since about 2005-2006. Commenting through two local plans, the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2) and the Exe Estuary Partnership. In my opinion the long term future of this location is currently not looking good.
There are many reasons why Dawlish should be concerned about this. Most importantly is where Shutterton Brook enters the River Exe at Eales Dock, Warren Road. Should the distal end of the sand split be lost, this I believe would inevitably increase tide heights and speed in the Exe plus making it vulnerable to storm surges. All or any of these will increase the “tidal lock” situation thereby putting extra pressure on flooding issues in this area. These speeds and tide heights will impact the residents and businesses in villages and hamlets on both sides of the lower Exe and they should be expressing their concerns.
Developers frequently refer to Dawlish as being “well connected”; this would not be the case should the railway at Powderham Bank fail or for that matter any part of the sea wall be damaged in future storms."
