PLANS have been submitted for work to stabilise stone walls around Teignmouth's Sand Quay.

Shipping agents Pike Ward have applied to Teignbridge planners for permission to carry out the work which is planned to stabilise the walls without altering the appearance of the quay.

Documents supplied with the application include photographs of the quay dating back to 1880 to 1890.

Architectural consultant Paul Chapple explained in a design statement how they propose to stabilise the walls 'without altering the appearance of the existing granite wall'.

Green oak vertical piles, measuring about 8m, would be driven down as close to the existing wall as practical to a depth of about 2.5m.

Steel straps would be placed near the top of the piles with a steel rod welded to the strap laid under flags and through a joint in the wall of existing granite blocks at the edge of the quay to stabilise the top of the pile.

Mr Chapple added: 'The works will not detract from the existing quay and will ensure its stability while being used.'

He added that the new vertical piles will match the appearance of the quay, similar to photos taken in the late 1890s.

Grouting work would also be needed to prevent further ingress of the river as the rise and fall of the tide has, in the past, washed out the fines of the fill material.

The statement also said that care would be taken not to cause pollution in the river with any new grout between the joints.

The application was submitted to Teignbridge District Council last week and will be decided under delegated powers.

Pike Ward did not wish to comment.