Clifftop Lodges Spark Fears Over Jurassic Coast Stability

Published: 24 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Plans for a luxury holiday park on Eype Cliff, West Dorset, have sparked warnings it could destabilise the fragile Jurassic Coast. Construction is underway on twelve lodges valued up to £725,000 each, within a six-acre development that has drawn strong opposition from local residents and environmental campaigners. The Jurassic Coast, a designated National Landscape and part of the Unesco World Heritage Site, is considered highly sensitive, and critics fear permanent lodges could dramatically alter the area’s natural character and safety.

Campaign group Eype Environment Protection (EEP) argues that what was previously a low-impact seasonal campsite is being converted into a high-density, year-round holiday village. Residents have voiced concern that the lodges’ presence could increase the risk of erosion and cliff destabilisation, as the coastline is prone to frequent falls, some significant, with smaller collapses occurring regularly. The group has highlighted the environmental, visual, and societal implications of this development, emphasising that West Dorset’s dark skies, local wildlife, and village life could all be negatively affected.

A petition demanding public consultation and revisions to what critics call outdated planning laws has collected 1,800 signatures. The petition asserts that, contrary to the developers’ marketing claims of “rugged allure” and “untamed nature,” the high-density lodges will pose a clear threat to the landscape. EEP spokespeople describe the development as an “eyesore” that risks irreversible damage to one of the country’s most cherished natural areas. They also warn that approving sensitive sites for permanent structures could set a dangerous precedent for further developments along the Jurassic Coast.

The Eype group stressed that cliff falls along the coast are not uncommon, noting that the most substantial recent event occurred in 2020. Smaller landslides continue to shape the coastline, and the addition of heavy permanent lodges could exacerbate natural instability. Residents fear that increased human presence, combined with year-round use, may accelerate these processes and put the coastline at further risk.

The luxury lodges themselves are being marketed with extensive amenities. The first two-bedroom property, listed at £644,995, features an open-plan kitchen and living area, master ensuite bedroom, family bathroom with jet bathtub, and a two-person infrared sauna. The high-end design reflects growing demand for premium holiday accommodations, yet it remains controversial due to its location on a sensitive clifftop.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays, the site owner, defended the project, insisting the campaign group’s portrayal of the development is misleading. They pointed out that a number of Lawful Development Certificates were granted by Dorset Council in 2022, allowing the site to utilise existing permissions without additional public consultation. The company emphasised that planting and landscaping plans are being implemented alongside construction, which they argue will mitigate potential visual and environmental impacts. They anticipate making the high-quality lodges available for purchase from spring 2026.

A Dorset Council spokesman confirmed there is no open enforcement case regarding the holiday park. Certificates of lawfulness were issued in 2022 for 35 permanently sited static caravans and 36 camping and motorhome pitches for holiday use. Another certificate confirmed the site could operate year-round without restrictions on pitch layout. The council highlighted that all legal planning obligations have been met, leaving the development fully compliant with local regulations.

The debate surrounding Eype Cliff reflects wider tensions between economic growth, tourism, and environmental conservation. While developers emphasise benefits to local tourism and the economy, opponents focus on protecting natural heritage and preventing irreversible environmental damage. The situation underscores challenges faced by planners and residents in balancing commercial development with the preservation of the UK’s most vulnerable landscapes.

As work continues, the dispute over the lodges highlights the delicate nature of the Jurassic Coast, which attracts thousands of visitors annually due to its geological significance, scenic cliffs, and cultural importance. Campaigners have urged ongoing vigilance to ensure that future development along the coastline does not compromise safety or natural beauty. The conversation around the Eype lodges may influence planning approaches for other sensitive sites, signalling broader implications for environmental policy and community engagement in coastal areas.