A public meeting is to be held next month to provide an update to those affected by the devastating landslide that hit Bonchurch late last year. In conjunction with Ventnor Town Council, the meeting will look to address what is to happen next now that geological studies on the fallen area are underway. It was on 10th December 2023, at around 21:30, that over 40 hectares of land fell off Leeson Road, taking vehicles and property with it. Around 20 properties in the local area were evacuated with people placed in temporary accommodation. Leeson Road remains closed until further notice and there has been no indication as to when – or if – the road will re-open. It’s hoped next month’s meeting will provide some new answers. 
Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, has said:
“As you are aware around 20 properties were evacuated on Leeson Road following the major landslide on 10 December 2023. Most residents have been able to return home, but those few closest to the landslide edge are still advised to stay away as further ground movement cannot be ruled out. “The building control team have a watching brief on these properties and are continuing to monitor them on a regular basis. For safety, this is done using sensors and watched remotely. 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. “Jacobs global principal of geoscience and engineering geology, Roger Moore, has studied landslide events at Luccombe since the 1980s as the Island’s south coast is well known for its history of landslides. He noted that this winter’s extreme rainfall will have “raised groundwater levels to a point at which the landslide(s) will have been triggered/mobilised”. “The landslide displaced approximately 14M.m3 of material over an area of 42 hectares, making it one of the largest landslides to be recorded on the Isle of Wight and south coast of Britain in recent history. Landslides the size of the one in Bonchurch are rare. With the heavy rainfall we experienced in October and November, and the time it takes this water to make its way through the Island’s geology, we want to ensure the safety of residents from any potential further landslides in this area. “Technical experts are carrying out an in-depth assessment of the ground conditions and stability of the area. The study is expected to be completed by the end of this month (January). “We are working with Ventnor Town Council to identify a public meeting date in February to update the community on all activity in the area. “The Isle of Wight Council continues to ask people to stay away from the landslide sites for their own safety and the safety of others who may need to rescue them.”
