Councillors are being asked to approve significant investment in four major coastal defence projects to better protect thousands of Island homes and businesses from coastal erosion and flooding.
The multi-million pound schemes at Embankment Road, Bembridge, Yaverland, Shanklin and Ventnor form part of the Isle of Wight Council’s proposed budget for the coming year, supported by Cabinet last week and due to go before Full Council on 23rd February.
The coastal defence scheme has already been awarded £7 million in central government funding — announced just yesterday (Tuesday) — with the council also earmarking a significant sum towards the programme.
Work to reduce risk of flooding and coastal erosion
The Environment Agency, in partnership with the council are working together alongside industry experts to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal erosion to more than 3,700 Island homes and businesses, vital infrastructure and more than 300 hectares of protected habitat.
The current coastal defences are ageing at these locations and the current work is investigating how these could be replaced.
Bacon: We’ll continue to consult the public
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for environment, heritage and waste management, said,
“Flooding and coastal erosion can have a devastating and lasting impact on the lives of those affected, and this is why it remains a high priority for us and why we have proposed significant investment in the programme. We are determined to support people who are most at risk as much as we can.
“These long-term commitments in partnership with the Environment Agency and significant government funding will make homes, businesses and infrastructure more resilient to the accelerating impacts of the climate crisis. The views of the public are important to us as we continue to plan this important work — and we’ll continue to consult them.”
At forefront of the council’s spending proposals
Sustainability and the environment are at the forefront of the council’s spending proposals for 2022/23 with ambitious plans to set up a Mission Zero Community Hub — an Island-wide partnership to work towards the Isle of Wight’s net zero emissions targets.
The council will also appoint a steering group to help develop and enhance the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status, including opportunities for economic growth.
Key features of the budget
Other key features of the draft budget include:
- the continued development of an Island-wide electric vehicle charging strategy;
- support for Dark Sky Status to open up new tourism opportunities for the Island;
- beach cleaning, new signs and marker buoy provision in key visitor areas;
- support for town and parish councils to help maintain and improve the public realm;
- repairs to the Lord Louis Library, Newport.
The England Coast Path
Elsewhere, work will continue with Natural England to secure £1.2 million investment in the England Coast Path; it will predominantly use the existing Isle of Wight coastal path which will see upgraded surfacing, signage and furniture.
The budget also allocates £730,000 to pump prime the works necessary to secure significant lottery funding to fund a new cultural centre and records office as part of the regeneration of Newport Harbour.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Site visit at Shanklin. Martin Hurst (regional flood and coastal committee), David Gaskell (Environment Agency), Emily Gordon (Environment Agency), Jenny Jakeways (Isle of Wight Council) and Cllr Jonathan Bacon (Cabinet member for the environment).
