A Devon beach is set to be buried beneath `22 football pitches of concrete,' according to campaigners, who claim Network Rail is taking the 'cheap option'.

They claim the scheme is proposing to strip the more than one mile of beach east of Teignmouth to relocate the line away from the cliffs and further out on the beach.

Trains run between Dawlish and Teignmouth and the scheme is being promoted by Network Rail as a `climate resilience' project on the London-Cornwall line.

The sea spray covers a train travelling through the seaside town of Dawlish. The new proposals come after damage to the rail line in 2014 cutting rail links between Devon and Cornwall for six weeks

Storm waves hit a train travelling through Dawlish, Devon. The scheme is proposing to strip more than one mile of beach east of Teignmouth, say campaigners

Campaigner Holly Hollis commented: `This scheme will encroach on average 80 meters into the sea, it will displace all the beach along that shore and occupy an area equivalent to 22 football pitches.'

It comes after the line was damaged in 2014 cutting rail links between Devon and Cornwall for six weeks after torrential rain and giant waves destroyed a sea wall at Dawlish.

Part of the scheme to safeguard the line includes the construction of a new Dawlish sea wall, estimated to cost £80million by Network Rail, and become potentially a lasting legacy of former transport secretary Chris Grayling who approved the controversial project.

High tides and gale force winds hit the rail line in Dawlish in 2014 as the UK braced itself for flooding

But while residents agree that the line needs to be improved so it will withstand the elements, they say Network Rail is taking the cheapest option that would destroy the seaside beauty of the town, according to The Times.

Teignmouth prides itself on its beach which features the Grand Pier built in the 1800s and measuring 232 yards in length.

But campaigners claim if the plans are approved the sands will be buried beneath concrete, leaving a small strip of golden sand visible only a low tides.

Damage to the track which was badly damaged by storms (left). Torrential rain and huge waves have taken its toll on the rail line (right)

The rail line was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 19th centrury using local stone that kept the beach intact and blended with the rocks.

Campaigner Alice Bird of Save Teignmouth and Holcombe Beach campaign said: 'Network Rail is hellbent on concreting over one-and-a-half miles of our iconic red sands.'

'It will cover the beach in the equivalent of 22 football pitches of concrete,' she added.

Ms Bird said it was 'astonishing' the proposal is in the process of being approved with such little consultation.

The seaside town of Teignmouth, Devon, which is known for its sandy beach as a high-speed train passes along the sea wall

However Network Rail said despite planning advancement it had yet to complete an environmental impact assessment.

A preliminary study said the scheme would destroy landscape, disturb terrestrial wildlife and create underwater sediment that would suffocate marine life.

A Network Rail spokesman said that latest plans would 'minimise' damage to beaches and the proposal includes new footpaths along the cliffs.

Network Rail intends to seek final permission under a Transport and Works Act Order from the transport secretary next year.

However such applications can bypass planners which would mean the proposal would avoid scrutiny from the people of Dawlish and Teignmouth, except voluntary consultations.

But the Peninsula Rail Task Force, a campaign group of local authorities in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, said the railway is 'number one priority' and outweighs the concerns of people in Teignmouth.