Further investigations are set to begin along Ventnor seafront this week as work continues to develop plans aimed at protecting the town from coastal change and erosion.
The Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council are progressing investigations for the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme, with equipment now moved into place as work commences from today (Monday).
Most of the active investigation work is expected to take between 3 and 6 weeks, with the overall programme of investigations due to be completed by the end of November.
The latest phase follows surveys carried out earlier this summer, which provided information about the condition of the coastline, existing infrastructure and the surrounding environment.
Those investigations identified significant build-ups of sediment and debris within parts of the drainage network. In some locations, this prevented teams from carrying out a full assessment of the system and highlighted the need for further surveys.
The next stage will include boreholes along the seafront to collect ground samples and identify any hidden voids beneath the surface, as well as trial pits on the foreshore.
The findings will help engineers and environmental specialists develop a clearer picture of conditions beneath Ventnor’s coastline and inform future options for coastal defences.
Specialist marine habitat surveys are also taking place offshore using drop-down video equipment to assess underwater habitats.
The work will help identify potential access and construction locations that avoid or reduce impacts on protected habitats within the Maritime Special Area of Conservation.
Some temporary access restrictions will be required along sections of the seafront and Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade while investigations are underway.
Businesses, cafés and other seafront facilities will remain open, with restrictions limited to areas where work is taking place and clearly signposted.
Current plans include weekday daytime restrictions on part of Bonchurch Cliffs Promenade between late September and November. Where possible, the route will reopen during evenings and weekends, with signed pedestrian diversions provided when required.
Localised fencing may also be installed around borehole locations.
A project compound will be established near the Eastern Esplanade car park on Ventnor seafront.
From next Tuesday (29th September), members of the project team will be available there every Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00-14:00 to answer questions and provide updates to residents, businesses and visitors.
Nick Gray, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, has said:
“Ventnor’s coastline plays an important role in protecting homes, businesses and local infrastructure from the impacts of coastal change. These investigations will give us the evidence we need to understand the challenges facing the coastline and develop options that can help reduce erosion risks.
“It’s an important step towards building a safer and more resilient future for Ventnor.”
Natasha Dix, Service Director for Waste, Environment and Planning at the Isle of Wight Council, has said:
“We know work of this kind can cause some temporary disruption, and we’d like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while the investigations take place.
“These surveys are a crucial step in helping us understand Ventnor’s coastline, giving us the evidence we need to make informed decisions about how best to protect the area, its infrastructure and the communities that depend on it.”
Further updates on the scheme can be found at www.engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/ventnor-coastal-defence-scheme.
