Technical experts have arrived at Bonchurch to carry out an in-depth assessment of the stability of the area following last week’s landslide, but there is bad news for affected homeowners. The on-the-ground study, commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council, is essential to better understand the level of ongoing risk and potential options for the future. It is not yet clear how long this study will take, given the risks associated with the area and challenges with safe access. Although many households were evacuated following the collapse on 10th December, the majority have since been able to return home. However, a small number of families are still being advised to stay elsewhere as further ground movement cannot be ruled out. Despite the clear and present danger, the Isle of Wight Council is not declaring the properties worst affected as ‘unsafe’, which poses an insurance nightmare for homeowners. The homeowners have, however, been advised by the council to remove their belongings and take appropriate steps to secure their properties. Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, has said:
“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.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_32yV7xvlI The Isle of Wight Council says that public safety remains its top priority, as well as supporting those residents whose property has been directly affected by the landslide. The council is reminding people to stay away from the landslide site and from the beach and foreshore below. Footpaths and rights of way remain closed, and signage has been installed to reiterate this message. Leeson Road remains closed in both directions between Shanklin and Ventnor pending the findings of a geological report. Local residents still have the ability to access their properties, if required.
