Background FAQs

Why do we need the scheme?

    Why do we need the scheme?

    Ageing Infrastructure

    The existing seawall was originally built pre-1900s and is over 100 years old. The concrete groynes are of a similar age (Osborne groyne 1878 and Hope Groyne 1901), whilst the wooden groyne field was completed in 1980.

    The seawall is in a poor condition with cracks, voids, exposed fill and widespread damage. The sea wall is at high risk of failure in the short term. The northernmost concrete terminal groyne, Hope Groyne, has already failed. The six existing timber groynes are estimated to have a remaining life of less than 5 years without any intervention.

    Poor condition of the existing sea wall (left) and failed Hope Groyne (right)

    In the short term, failure of the seawall is likely to result in the loss of the highway immediately behind the seawall; 76 residential and 55 non-residential properties would be permanently cut off. There is no viable alternative vehicular access route, and these properties would therefore effectively be rendered unsafe and uninhabitable. 

    If nothing is done to address this, the defences will continue to deteriorate and become increasingly susceptible to coastal erosion. Major capital works are now needed if the coastal defences are to remain effective. 

    Climate Change

    Sea level is predicted to rise by over a metre in the next 100 years. This rise in sea level combined with more regular and powerful storms will increase the risk of coastal flooding and erosion. This is therefore a critical factor in why we need to invest and improve our existing coastal defences on the Isle of Wight. 


    Image shows the coastal defences along Shanklin EsplanadeShanklin coastal defences

     



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