Ground investigation work is set to get underway in Ventnor this Summer as plans for a major coastal defence scheme designed to protect the town’s seafront from erosion for the next 60 years get underway.
The Environment Agency, working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, is launching the first phase of ground investigations to support the detailed design of the proposed 3.6km coastal defence refurbishment scheme.
The multi-million-pound project, which is currently programmed to begin construction in 2030, will see engineers gather vital information about ground conditions, existing seawall structures and the surrounding environment.
Survey work will begin next week and will involve non-intrusive investigations along the seafront and surrounding areas. Residents and visitors may notice specialist survey teams using equipment to scan, map and measure the ground and existing infrastructure, although no significant disruption is expected.
A second phase of investigations will take place from autumn into winter. This will involve more detailed work, including drilling boreholes and digging trial trenches on the beach to collect samples and assess the condition of the existing coastal defences and local geology.
Temporary localised access restrictions or closures may be required while this work is carried out, although the project team says disruption will be kept to a minimum. Further details will be shared with the community ahead of the works.
Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, Nick Gray said:
“These investigations are a vital milestone in developing a long-term solution to help protect the coastline from erosion while refurbishing this much-loved seafront for future generations.”
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Isle of Wight Council’s Service Director for Waste, Environment and Planning, Natasha Dix said:
“This investment is about securing Ventnor’s seafront for the long term – not just protecting but sustaining it as a place for the community and visitors alike.
“As asset owner and long-term steward, the council is focused on ensuring this scheme supports the town’s character, resilience and continued use as a valued public space, backed by strong evidence and partnership working with the Environment Agency.”
The Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme is a joint project between the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council and aims to refurbish approximately 3.6km of coastal defences between Steephill Cove and Monks Bay.
Ventnor is situated on the ‘Undercliff’ which is recognised as the largest urbanised landslide complex in north-west Europe. Existing coastal defences play a critical role in helping to stabilise the landslide complex beneath the town.
The proposed scheme is intended to help protect around 3,300 homes, businesses and key infrastructure from coastal erosion and ground instability. Current plans include refurbishing existing seawalls and esplanades, installing wave return walls and constructing rock revetments along sections of the frontage.
Community engagement has also played an important role in shaping the proposals. More than 400 people attended public engagement events across Isle of Wight coastal defence projects in 2025, generating more than 200 responses.
Feedback from residents highlighted strong support for coastal protection that is resilient, accessible and sympathetic to the character of Ventnor’s seafront.
Further updates are expected as the design work and planning process progresses ahead of the proposed start of construction in 2030.
