A £30,000 plan to save properties from falling into the sea has been given tentative support by Swale council.

Campaigners who fear their homes in Surf Crescent and Third Avenue, Eastchurch, will be lost as cliff erosion edges ever nearer to them, have backed a planning application for measures to be installed to slow its progress.

Measures put forward include a biodegradable mesh being laid so grass and tree saplings can take root to soak up surface water and hold the earth together.

Swale councillor David Simmons, cabinet member for Environment and Rural Affairs, said there was compelling evidence from the Environment Agency (EA) that there is no practical or economical solution to the erosion. However, the Eastchurch Gap Community Group approached the council last year with a proposal they believe will delay the rate of wearing away.

He said: “While neither the council nor the EA are convinced at the likelihood of the success of the scheme, Swale’s members felt that they would like to support this community-led initiative which might have a positive slowing impact on the current rate of erosion.”

Members pledged a grant of £30,000 for the group to implement and manage the project, subject to approval. Cllr Simmons added that it is being viewed as a trial project and a review of its impact may lead to a change of its future policy.

He said: “While we of course remain sympathetic to the concerns of the communities in these areas, nature is taking its course as it has done for centuries and as a local authority we must ensure that any investments that we make are prioritised to get the best value for the tax payer.”

The council is under no obligation to install coastal protection measures and current shoreline management policy for the stretch of coastline states no active intervention will take place.

The proposed works will require consent from EA and Natural England is taking part in discussions as the site falls within a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to fossils and species of plant found there.