Council welcomes funding for new sea wall

Gosport Borough Council has welcomed a "brilliant decision" to commit more than £3/4 million for sea defences at Stokes Bay.

The decision means enough money is now in place to replace 135m of collapsed sea wall, restoring access to Stokes Bay East car park and the promenade, and protecting Stokes Bay Road.

Cllr Peter Chegwyn, Leader of the Council, said: "This is a brilliant decision for Gosport. We have been working hard with our partners to get this money and now it's been pledged.

"The current wall, built in the 70s, has experienced several serious failures in recent years and repairs are no longer an option. In February last year, Storm Eunice caused even more severe damage. On top of that, inflation has made the whole project more costly.

"This funding means we can now start looking forward to a new wall that protects this area, which is vital for transport, recreation and tourism."

The funding, totalling £759,317, was awarded after a joint bid from GBC and Hampshire County Council to the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. The committee includes representatives from councils in the region, independent members and experts.

The funding will be added to £450,000 from GBC and £50,000 from HCC that has already been set aside.

A planning application for the wall replacement project has been submitted by Coastal Partners, the team responsible for coastal management on behalf of GBC. This is expected to be decided by the end of the year. A licence for the work from the Marine Management Organisation is expected soon afterwards.

Subject to planning approvals and procurement, construction is planned to start in the summer, and to last about four months.