PUBLIC backlash has led to Network Rail taking controversial resilience plans back to the drawing board.

Instead of applying for an order to get the green light for works between Parson’s Tunnel and Teignmouth, engineers will now look to refine their ideas before another round of consultations next year.

The plans, which were first aired in June last year, would have seen the 1.8km stretch of track moved onto the beach to create space to stabilise the hazardous cliffs.

A realigned coastal footpath would also be built, along with a new landward path and accessible footbridge across the railway.

More than 1,600 people responded to the blueprints across a six-week consultation period earlier this year.

Mike Gallop, Network Rail’s director for the western route, said: ‘We would like to thank everyone who responded. We have read and reviewed every single comment.

‘We received some good and considered feedback which can positively influence our plans, and it is important that we get this significant scheme right.

‘As a result of the feedback we are now refining the plans even further with a view to then sharing these revisions with the public next year.’

‘We will only proceed to this stage when we’ve done this further work and engagement.’

And Dean Shaw, senior communications manager for Network Rail, added: ‘We will go away and relook at the plans for the stretch between Parson’s Tunnel and Teignmouth and we will refine them off the strength of public opinion. It is only right that we relook at the plans and refine.

‘There were lots of good, considered comments and it is only right that we look at them and give them some proper thought.

Network Rail also announced that they will be writing to 16,000 households within the consultation boundary with a summary of the findings, and will be refining their proposals after analysing the 1,605 responses.

No decisions have yet been made as to how the plans will be refined, but planners hope that the incursions and loss of the beach can be minimised.

Although campaigners have welcomed news that Network Rail is looking to rethink its resilience plans – but they aren’t stepping away from the fight just yet.

A spokesman for the Save Holcombe and Teignmouth Beach Association said: ‘We understand that the South West Rail Resilience Team will looking carefully at the feedback they received from the public consultation and will hold another public consultation in 2021.

‘This is fantastic news as it suggests that Network Rail are listening to our concerns and ideas and taking them on board.

‘However, until a final decision is made about any works that will happen, we cannot step away from the campaign.

‘Going forward, we will continue to attempt to work together with Network Rail to come up with a positive, realistic solution.’

Teignbridge councillor Martin Wrigley was also relieved to hear the news, but disappointed that Network Rail hadn’t re-thought plans elsewhere.

‘I was very pleased to hear that Network Rail are reconsidering the plans for Holcombe Beach’, he said.

‘However, I was saddened to see the Dawlish phase two plans go through without further consideration.

‘I fully acknowledge that something needs to be done, but Network Rail have gone for the cheapest option.

‘The best engineering solution would have included a wave breaking reef, charging station and a wall.’