The Environment Agency, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, has committed to better protect more than 300 properties and businesses from coastal erosion and flooding in Yaverland, Sandown and Shanklin for the next 50 years.
The decision to refurbish the current coastal defences, made by the Isle of Wight Council, is fully supported by the Environment Agency. It follows in-depth investigations, assessments, financial analysis, and a public consultation.
Emily Webster, project lead for Shanklin and Yaverland coastal defence schemes at the Environment Agency, said:
“The Environment Agency is pleased with the decision to refurbish the sea wall, concrete groynes and wooden groynes in Yaverland, Sandown and Shanklin.
“This decision was based upon our detailed assessments of the best options available, as well as listening to the views of the local communities who said that better protection from coastal erosion and flooding was a priority.
“The next stage is to create an initial design and plan for the construction work. More information to explain how we reached the decision is available on our website – Yaverland Coastal Defence Scheme Information Page.”
Isle of Wight councillor Paul Fuller, cabinet member for planning, coastal protection, and flooding, said:
“The current flood defences are deteriorating, so it’s vital we act now to better protect these coastal communities from rising sea levels and more extreme storm events in the future.
“Progress on the initial design and plans on the construction will be displayed at a public exhibition in the summer.”
