Investigations are underway to determine the risk posed by last week’s devastating landslide to nearby homes in Bonchurch.
Technical experts are on site to carry out an in-depth assessment of the ground conditions and stability of the area.
Unclear when it will be completed
It is not yet clear how long this study will take, given the risks associated with the area and challenges with safe access.
However, the report, commissioned by the Isle of Wight council, is essential in order to better understand the level of ongoing risk and potential options for the future.
Public safety top priority
Public safety remains the council’s top priority as well as supporting those residents whose property has been directly affected by the landslide, the biggest to affect the area in 20 years.
Most of those evacuated from their homes on 10th December were able to return following an inspection by the council’s building control team.
For a small number of properties, residents are still being advised to continue with alternative accommodation at this time as further ground movement cannot be ruled out.
Leeson Road closed
Leeson Road remains closed pending the findings of a geological report, however, local residents still have the ability to access their properties if required.
They have been advised by the council previously to consider removing their belongings and take appropriate steps to secure their properties.
Dix: Until a building is directly impacted we’re not able to declare it unsafe
Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment, and planning, said,
“Our ongoing advice remains until further information is available following the ongoing technical assessments.
“The building control team have a watching brief on these properties and will be monitoring them on a regular basis.
“Should further movement occur, and a building be directly affected by movement or damage, the council could be in a position to issue an emergency powers notice declaring the building unsafe.
“Until the building itself is directly impacted we are not able to declare a building unsafe. Residents will of course be kept informed as we understand more but should owners have further questions in relation to the structural safety of their property, they are able to contact our building control team.”
Stay away from area
The council is reminding people to stay away from the landslide site and from the beach and foreshore below for their own safety.
Footpaths and rights of way remain closed, and signage has been installed to reiterate this message.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
