LOCALS fear a plan to protect a popular beach by adding huge rocks will 'destroy' the beauty spot.

They are concerned that a proposed sea defence scheme will turn Chesil Cove on Portland into a 'mess of boulders' and change the shape and aesthetic of the beach forever.

Dorset Council’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management team warns that that "urgent action" is required to protect the beach.

While residents acknowledge something has to be done they don't agree with current proposals -  and there's concern too about importing rock to shore up the beach from Scotland or elsewhere.

Dorset Council plans to repair and maintain the end of the Chesil Cove sea wall at Chiswell are currently out for public consultation - but what has been proposed already has some residents worried, with an online petition gaining more than 500 signatures in just a few days.

The current proposal includes adding an apron of large rocks along the end of the beach, by the sea wall.

Local historian and retired engineer Stuart Morris, who oversaw the construction of the sea wall in 1965, claims the proposed solution is 'flawed'.

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio) He said: "I fully respect the consulting agency. What is wrong however is their interpretation of the state of the wall.

"The destruction of any part of the natural corner of Chesil Beach would be a disastrous loss to Portlanders and to visitors, who have enjoyed this special spot for countless generations.

"To cover any of the beach there with imported boulders, and to deprive the public of access to the beach and rock pools from the southern steps is simply not acceptable. 

"I urge the authorities to abandon these ideas and concentrate on localised protection of the piles and edge beams. An extension of the 2011 concrete work by a few metres to the left would achieve this."

(Image: Cristiano Magaglio) The current wall was built in 1965 and was designed to deflect waves and prevent major slumping of the land above, which includes the main A354 road.

A petition, entitled 'SAVE CHESIL COVE!', was started by Jane McGregor, who owns a beach hut nearby.

She said: "We looked at the proposal and I think our concerns are primarily about losing the cove under tonnes of Scottish granite.

"It will turn a much loved sheltered part of Chesil Beach into a mess of boulders going 25 metres out to sea. The whole shape and aesthetic will be changed and lost forever.

"We are happy with the plans to strengthen the wall without losing the cove, but Scottish boulders on a Portland beach, I don't think that is quite right."

The sea defence project's FAQ page says that whilst the rocks will be visible at first, 'some' of the rocks will be covered in shingle. Additionally, these will be granite rocks most likely sourced from either Scotland, Normandy or Norway.

Some repairs were undertaken on the wall in 2011 after serious undercutting by the sea. However, Dorset Council says these have now been undermined and the sea is causing rotational movement at the southern end.

As part of the consultation process, a public drop-in event will be held at the Portland Community Venue on Wednesday, September 25 from 1.30pm until 4pm.

There will also be an online event on Monday, September 23 from 6pm – 7pm. 

If this proposal is approved, planning, funding and licenses would then be sought ahead of any works, which likely won’t take place until at least 2026 or 2027. 

In response to concerns a Dorset Council spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that some people are drawing conclusions around the need for this project before the evidence has been presented to the public and a full discussion has taken place.

“The project is currently at concept stage, with an outline business plan being put forward to the Environment Agency for approval. The project team are inviting residents, key stakeholders, businesses, and visitors to Chesil Cove to learn the facts behind the need for improvements to the defences, and a potential option that will be included in the plan.

“Online and in-person events will be led by Dorset Coast Forum (DCF) who remain a neutral partner in collecting and collating feedback from all those impacted by the project. DCF encourages everyone to learn details of the plans and the need for the works, and then provide feedback based on the information presented. Please note that the works are not due to take place until at least 2027.”