Alverstoke coastal defence plan up for approval

A project to build new sea defences has taken a step forward now that the planning application for the Alverstoke Coastal Scheme has been submitted for approval.

The scheme, which would ensure reduced flood risk to 142 properties, is being developed by the Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership (ESCP), with support from professional consultants, on behalf of the council.

It has been in development since 2015, and the ESCP have worked closely with residents through a range of consultation events and meetings where proposals have been shaped to produce a final design. This would achieve the level of protection required, while maintaining and enhancing conservation areas treasured by residents and visitors.

The council will now conduct a period of statutory public consultation as part of the planning process. Residents can view the application and supporting documents, and comment.

Cllr Piers Bateman, ESCP panel member for the council, said: "The submission of the planning application is an important step towards the protection of many homes, businesses, pieces of critical infrastructure, utility services and sites of environmental importance. I look forward to giving the scheme full consideration as part of the council's regulatory process, when it will be decided if this application meets all of the planning requirements."

Residents will continue to play a key part in the development of the scheme, while some of the finer details are explored. For opportunities to get involved and more details, residents can check the project website.

If approvals are obtained, construction could begin early next year.

For regular updates on the scheme and other projects, residents can like the ESCP on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and YouTube. They can also sign up for an email newsletter

A total of 114 properties in Alverstoke are currently at risk from a 1-in-100 year flood event, expected to increase to 142 properties by year 2060. The scheme will cover about 120m of coastal frontage at the western end of Stoke Lake.

The ESCP is a partnership between Fareham Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, Havant Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council. The partnership has combined coastal engineers from each authority into one team to manage 162km of coastline across the eastern Solent.

The aim of the ESCP is to reduce the risks of coastal flooding and erosion to people, and the developed and natural environments, and to encourage the provision of technically, economically and environmentally sound defence measures to protect more than 40,000 homes and businesses in the area over the next 100 years.