For many people living in charming seaside towns, the view comes with a risk — but in Sidmouth, Devon, the view might soon come with a set of restrictions that residents say could cripple their homes and livelihoods.
A new policy under consideration by East Devon District Council is stirring concern, as it could ban even the smallest building projects on homes near the cliff edge.
Small Fixes Could Be Off the Table Under Proposed Building Ban
Homeowners along Cliff Road, perched above Sidmouth’s iconic red cliffs, fear they’ll be stuck in homes they can’t maintain or sell if new regulations take effect.
The area has already lost chunks of land to erosion over the years, but residents say that doesn’t mean they should be barred from basic renovations.
One homeowner shared worries that if the rules are too strict, their properties will suffer — and eventually deteriorate.
“You can’t tell people they’re not allowed to do even minor work inside their homes,” one resident said.
“That’s going to make it impossible to keep the place in good condition, let alone try to sell.”
The Coastal Erosion Plan That’s Raising Eyebrows
At the center of the issue is the proposed creation of a “Coastal Change Management Area” (CCMA), part of a 20-year strategy meant to limit new development in erosion-prone zones.
Under this plan, new residential builds and even conversions of current homes might be denied planning permission.
The council’s goal is to minimize long-term risk, but for the 15 homes identified in the area, the consequences could be immediate and personal.
Paul Griew, who heads the Cliff Road Action Group, said the council hasn’t explained why those specific homes were singled out.
“There’s no transparency,” he noted, pointing out his home sits about 40 meters back from the edge.
He also reminded officials that he lost an entire summerhouse to the sea in 2017.
Fear of Property Value Loss and Abandoned Homes
Another long-time resident, 82-year-old Peter Sinton, expressed frustration over what he called a “bureaucratic manoeuvre.”
He believes the CCMA restrictions would unfairly reduce the value of people’s homes and discourage basic investment.
“If I want to spend money improving my home, why should the council stop me?” Sinton asked.
“If this policy had been in place when we bought our house, we probably wouldn’t have moved here.
It’s not right to tell people what to do based on predictions that may not even be accurate.”
He argued that, far from protecting wildlife or the environment, the policy could actually leave Sidmouth with a row of run-down houses and a declining local economy.
Council Faces Criticism Over Lack of Clarity and Science
Many locals are also raising doubts about the data being used to justify the CCMA.
Mr. Sinton was especially vocal, claiming the erosion projections are flawed and serve no practical environmental benefit.
“This isn’t about birds, bats, or even fossils,” he said.
“This will just lead to more empty, crumbling homes and a lot of wasted time in court.”
Another neighbor added their own worries: “What if we just want to add a patio or improve our garden? Is that going to be off-limits too?”
They’re concerned that normal home improvement projects — the kind people typically do without much fuss — could now be stopped cold by red tape.
Residents Call for Balance and Common Sense
Mr. Griew and others are calling for a more balanced approach.
They say residents should be allowed to carry out extensions and renovations — provided they get the necessary permissions and accept the risks involved.
“Let us take responsibility for our homes,” Griew said.
“We’re not asking to build skyscrapers — just to keep our properties liveable.”
As of now, the East Devon District Council has taken note of the growing criticism.
Ed Freeman, the council’s assistant director for planning, acknowledged the feedback and promised to review the concerns.
A report is expected to be discussed again at the planning committee’s next meeting in September.
What Comes Next?
For now, the residents of Cliff Road remain in limbo — waiting to see if the council will soften its stance or move forward with the CCMA in its current form.
With a £21 million beach management scheme also in the works and expected to help reduce erosion risk by 2027, many are wondering whether such a strict policy is even necessary in the first place.
The next few months will be crucial for Sidmouth homeowners.
Until then, they’re bracing for a decision that could determine whether they can keep improving their homes — or watch them fall into disrepair.