Work is set to begin this summer on a 200-metre tunnel to protect trains on the Dawlish line from falling rocks, after the project won planning approval.

Teignbridge District Council officers gave permission for Network Rail to extend the existing rockfall shelter over the railway line between Dawlish and Holcombe.

Work on the extension to the shelter north of Parsons Tunnel is now expected to begin in August, and take about a year to complete.

It will be constructed in modern materials, with open sides rather than the brick built enclosed tunnel extension.

This will enable passengers to enjoy the sea views, and also make it easier to evacuate the train in an emergency.

Approving the application under delegated powers, the report of Rosalyn Eastman, business manager for strategic place, said: "The development would support retention of the railway which is acknowledged to be a feature within the landscape in the area, snaking along the base of the cliffs adjacent to the coast.

"It is considered that the landscape impact of the development would be minor and any visual impact would be outweighed by securing retention of the railway line.

"It is concluded that the proposal would constitute an acceptable form of development in this location which would not adversely affect the amenity of the area and therefore prior approval should be granted."

Chris Pearce, Network Rail's western route interim director, said: "We are pleased that Teignbridge District Council has approved this third section of the South West Rail Resilience Programme and thank members and officers for their thorough reviews of our plans.

"The coastal location of the railway in south Devon is truly stunning but it also presents its biggest challenge with the sea on one side and steep cliffs on the other.

"The existing rockfall shelter has proven its effectiveness for a century and so this modern extended structure will protect the railway for generations to come alongside a section of cliff that is becoming increasingly hazardous from rock falls."

Preparatory work at the top of the cliffs overlooking this stretch of railway began in March, when Network Rail engineers started cutting back some of the vegetation. This work is being closely monitored to ensure minimal disruption to wildlife habitats and biodiversity.