Portchester residents respond well to flood defence proposals

The East Solent Coastal Partnership event took place at Castle Street Day Centre, and showed plans covering a 1.5-mile stretch between Portchester Castle and Port Solent.

There are a number of options to protect it, from strengthening current sea walls to increasing their height.

Portchester residents were pleased with the proactive plans.

Dianne Reeves, 69, of Castle Street, said: ‘I came down because I wanted to know what was likely to happen with our sea defences.’

‘It’s quite possible we could be flooded if they are not built high enough.

‘I think these plans look good. I just hope they don’t make too many changes around Portchester Castle and alter the way it would have originally looked.’

Roger Bazeley, 85, also of Castle Street, said: ‘The proposals are very forward-thinking, it is just what we need.’

‘Flooding is an ongoing issue and it is good to see that it is becoming more of a priority.’

Executive member for planning and development, councillor Keith Evans said: ‘There are nearly 400 homes and businesses in Portchester and Paulsgrove that are at risk from coastal flooding 
and this number is expected to go up considerably as sea levels rise over the next 100 years.

‘The East Solent Coastal Partnership’s plans for coastal defences aim to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion from the sea during this period.

‘Consultation events such as this are an excellent way to involve the community and to use their local knowledge in developing these plans.’

Funding for the £9.5 million scheme will come from a combination of central government grants and developer contributions.

The ESCP plans on returning in July to show more detailed plans.