Plans for sea defences in Gosport go on show in bid to protect 500 homes

HUNDREDS of homes are set to be protected by new sea defences.
An artist's impression of what new sea defences at Alverstoke in Gosport could look like. Picture: Gosport Borough CouncilAn artist's impression of what new sea defences at Alverstoke in Gosport could look like. Picture: Gosport Borough Council
An artist's impression of what new sea defences at Alverstoke in Gosport could look like. Picture: Gosport Borough Council

A series of exhibitions are taking place this month to show members of the public what the next stage of a multi-million pound coastal protection scheme will be in Alverstoke, Seafield and Forton – stretching more than 3,200ft along the coastline in total.

Alverstoke will see a new flood wall on top of the existing one along with flood gates. This would cover between Little Anglesey Road and Clayhall Road.

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In Forton, the existing walls at the western end of the lake will be repointed, with the road being raised and flood defences installed at St Vincent College.

Both of these schemes are due to be submitted for planning permission early next year.

At Seafield, the options are to upgrade or encase the existing walls and construct a new wall, or to upgrade or replace the existing sloping defence structure and construct a new wall  between Old Road and Mariners Way.

Councillor Piers Bateman who is responsible for the protection of the borough’s coastline says the council is planning for the future, describing the town’s current sea defences as ‘veteran’.

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He said: ‘If there was a flood tomorrow, they would hold, but we have to plan for the future.

‘We’re not desperate by any means but this is a project that needs close attention – the defences do need renewing.

‘I think it will be very impressive when it’s all done and will also enhance the local environment.’

Exhibitions on the Alverstoke scheme are being held at Jubilee Lodge Scout Hut, Park Road, Gosport on Wednesday, September 11, 11am-4pm and Thursday, September 12, 1-7pm.

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Exhibitions on the Forton scheme are taking place at Earl Mountbatten Hall, St Luke’s Road, Gosport on Tuesday, September 17, 11am-4pm, and Wednesday, September 18, 1pm-7pm.

All three schemes are on show at Gosport Discovery Centre from September 16-26. The schemes should protect 500 homes until 2070.

Cllr Bateman added: ‘These events give residents a great opportunity to find out more about these proposed defences.

‘I'd urge people to go along and learn more about what we're planning.’

A dedicated Seafield public exhibition will follow in 2020.

For more information, see escp.org.uk/Gosport-Schemes

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