Cobb emergency repairs at Lyme Regis Harbour The Cobb, Lyme Regis

The site

The works concern the outer face of the Grade I listed Cobb, a medieval sea wall enclosing the working harbour and defending the town.

“Description of site 4.1 The Cobb is a monolithic sea wall of medieval origins which contains the harbour at Lyme Regis. It is grade I listed and provides some defence of the town against the effects of coastal erosion and storm damage. The Cobb shelters the harbour, a working fishing port. The part of the Cobb to which this application relates is the base of the outer face of the area locally known as the ‘Ginshop Turn’.”

Officer report

Relevant history

Earlier applications concerned pontoons, a slipway, boat storage, rock armour, timber fenders, and environmental improvement scheme assessments.

“WD/D/20/001420 - Decision: GRANT Decision Date: 17/12/2020 Extension and repairs to existing slipway and extension of existing boat storage…”

“1/W/03/001935 - Decision: WITHDRAWN Decision Date: 28/11/2003 Erect extension to existing rock armour…”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended listed building consent because the localised repairs would stabilise the structure without harming the listed building or conservation area.

“Supporting methodologies, specifications and plans were reviewed, and consequently in response to consultation on this application Historic England had no comments to make and deferred detailed consideration of the proposals to the Council’s conservation specialists. Furthermore, Natural England have confirmed that “the plan or project as proposed would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of European sites.”

“It is concluded that the development would have no adverse effect on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area or the significance of the Grade I listed structure and as such the proposals accord with the development plan and the NPPF. Regard has been had to the relevant duties of The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 in reaching this conclusion. Recommendation 15.1 Grant listed building consent subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council supported the emergency works, Historic England made no comment, and no representations were received.

“List of constraints Grade I Listed Building: The Cobb Piers and Walls, Including North Wall: HE Reference: 1229437 (statutory duty to preserve or enhance the significance of heritage assets under the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990).”

“Lyme Regis Ward Member– no comments received. Historic England – No comment: Historic England provides advice when our engagement can add most value. In this case we are not offering advice. National Amenity Societies – no comments received. Representations received – None. 9.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Conservation and Design Officer presented the application and explained the site, proposed repairs, heritage setting, and consultation support.

Members considered the works

Members supported the application and understood the need to carry out the repairs, including the weighted scaffold and localised stabilisation.

“Members were advised that the proposal sought to carry out a stopgap repair to stabilise this part of The Cobb while the Lyme Regis Improvement Scheme Phase 5 progressed through its necessary stages. The scaffold required for the work would be weighted down rather than fixed to the structure to avoid any physical impact on the historic fabric.”

“Members were supportive of the application and understood the need to carry out the repair works.”

Minutes

The committee voted

Cllr Bell proposed granting the application and Cllr Monks seconded the proposal.

“It was proposed by Cllr Bell and seconded by Cllr Monks to grant the application.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions set out in the appendix.

“Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.”

Minutes