Residents in Dawlish have lost a battle to prevent the sea wall being raised following the devastating winter storms.
Plans to increase the height of the wall in the seaside town had been criticised by some locals living nearby who were concerned about privacy.
Thousands of people, including many tourists, use the walkway on top of the wall every year – promoting concerns that those people would be able to see into their homes.
But Network Rail confirmed that it would be raised to the same height as the rest of the defence, to protect the main railway line in the South West of England.
A spokesman said, subject to planning permission being granted, it hoped to start work in August with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
He said two public meetings had been held and the organisation planned to keep residents updated throughout.
Some residents told the BBC they objected to the scheme, while others voiced their support for it.
Ann Large, who lives in Sea Lawn Terrace which sits on the site of the old house, said: "The world and his wife will be standing and gawping at the properties [if the wall is raised]."
Another resident said: "It's going to have an impact on our privacy and security and I'm sure there are other ways of improving the integrity of the seawall."
Peter Large, said: "I would be much happier if the footpath is raised so it does give us that extra strength and resilience.
"I don't want to go through another 'Black Tuesday' storms like we did this year.
In the 1840s, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who built the rail, lost the same battle with a landowner.
The landowner insisted the wall should be lowered so he did not lose his privacy with walkers looking in.
The line reopened in April after it was severely damaged by storms in February.
A 300-strong Network Rail team rebuilt the track at a cost of £35m.
