Preferred Option

Out of the 5 short list of options, Option 3 (Keep the existing defence level) has been chosen by Isle of Wight Council as the preferred way forward following a recommendation made by the Environment Agency.

Option 1: Do Nothing

Option 2: Do Minimum

Option 3: Keep the existing defence level

Option 4: Raise the level of the defence in stages into the future

Option 5: Raise the defence level now

Option 3 will involve construction works to refurbish the sea wall, timber groynes and concrete groynes. The methodology for refurbishment will be confirmed during the next stage as the team progress with drawing up an initial design. The current thinking is that works to the walls will be constructed using shutters and in-situ pour of concrete 200mm against the face of the existing sea wall. This option will provide a quality finish. Temporary works such as sheet piling will be required along the section of wall and groyne being worked on to provide a safe and dry working corridor.

The defence level will be kept at the existing level. No raising of the existing defence height will be made over the next 50 years. As part of the refurbishment project, we will include works which strengthen the foundations of the seawall with the foresight that a decision to raise the height of the sea wall may be a viable option in 50 years’ time.

Further details on how and why the preferred option was selected can be found in our FAQs.