Following OnTheWight breaking the news last week that Island Roads had cut down trees without permission on Undercliff Drive in what Natural England describe as, “one of the most important sites in the country for its environmental riches, including rare plants and insects” we have an update to share.
Natural England’s area manager Francis Davies told OnTheWight,
“Compton Chine to Steephill Cove SSSI is legally protected as one of the most important sites in the country for its environmental riches, including rare plants and insects, vegetated cliffs and exposed rocky shores.
“Natural England has a role to ensure that any work proposed for this Site of Special Scientific Interest avoids damaging its renowned habitat and species and needs to give permission before any work can begin.
“Unfortunately we were not consulted on this occasion. The work potentially involves permanent loss of SSSI land which would need to be properly considered and potentially mitigated.
“As a result of these concerns Natural England asked the contractors to halt the work until they can put in place a proper programme that addresses these issues.”
Mitigation to be agreed before work starts
He went on to say,
“We understand the importance of carrying out remedial work following the landslip last year and met the contractors, Island Roads, and the Isle of Wight Council on site on Wednesday 8 July to view the damage, discuss the operation and offer our advice on how it can be carried out without undermining the area’s SSSI status.
“We believe that the swift action to stop the work has prevented any lasting damage to the SSSI.
“Island Roads have agreed that no further work affecting the SSSI will be carried out without first consulting Natural England and agreeing any mitigation that may be required.”
Revisiting the Island
Natural England are continuing to be actively involved with the case and OnTheWight understands they will be making another visit to the Island, this time speaking to just the residents, to hear their views.
