Here's how you can have your say on plans for Southsea seafront

Portsmouth councillors are set to approve a refreshed Southsea seafront masterplan during a meeting next week - which will lead to another public consultation.

The document has been developed following consultation with local residents in 2018 and 2019, setting out plans for how the seafront could be improved and preserved.

It has also been updated to integrate the Southsea Coastal Scheme, on which work started this week.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council's deputy leader, said: 'The seafront is a much-loved and hugely important part of our city, and must be preserved for the future. But there are ways that parts of it can be improved, so people can enjoy it even more.

'This draft masterplan has been put together with the help of everyone who took part in previous consultations.

'When it's finalised, the masterplan will redefine our goals for the seafront. It will guide what happens to the area for some years to come, given the major opportunities opened up by the building of the new sea defences.

'When the final consultation gets under way, we hope as many people as possible will comment, to make sure we have listened and are on the right track.'

The masterplan covers issues including climate change, health and wellbeing, heritage, natural environment and transport and access.

Cllr Pitt added: 'On Avenue de Caen there is a proposal to alter the use of a section of the road to prioritise cyclists and pedestrians. And in the area around the D-Day Stone, there are suggestions for altering the surroundings, to improve people's experience and make access easier. We would be particularly keen on hearing views on these aspects.'

It comes as the first stage of work on the new sea defences at Southsea started this week.

If given the go ahead by cabinet during a virtual meeting on September 15, the consultation will take place from September 18 to October 30.

For more information on the masterplan and the consultation, people can go to portsmouth.gov.uk/seafrontmasterplan or they can take part in council consultations by calling 023 9261 6708.

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