Read Now: Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan
What is the Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan?
The Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan has been created using feedback, ideas and local knowledge shared directly by the Ventnor community. Over the course of the project so far, residents, businesses and stakeholders have told us what matters to them about the seafront and how they would like it to evolve. This plan brings that insight together into a set of ideas that explore how the area could look and function in the future. Not all of the ideas can be funded through the Coastal Defence Scheme. Some opportunities could be delivered as part of the project with external funding contributions, while others could be taken forward independently in the future.
The plan focuses on the spaces around the coastal frontage and looks beyond engineering alone. It considers how coastal defence works might sit alongside improvements to the landscape, public realm, accessibility, heritage and the natural environment, ensuring that future investment delivers benefits that people can see, use and enjoy.
To see this plan in full, please search our Documents section or download a copy HERE. For a summery of the plan, please read below.
Once you have read either the summery below or the full plan, please feel free to ask a question, give feedback or raise any concerns using our Questions Section.
Why do we have this plan?
The Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan sits alongside the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme and helps guide long‑term thinking as the project develops. Its purpose is to identify opportunities early, so they can be considered as designs progress and so that wider improvements are not missed.
Importantly, the plan is not a set of final designs or confirmed projects. It does not represent decisions that have already been made. Instead, it presents a broad range of possible ideas — from small‑scale enhancements to more ambitious changes — showing what could be achievable over time if funding, technical feasibility and approvals allow. Some opportunities may be delivered as part of the coastal defence scheme, while others could be taken forward independently in the future.
What has informed the plan?
The ideas within the Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan are grounded in a strong evidence base. This includes environmental, landscape and heritage assessments, a Local Needs Assessment and extensive public consultation. Together, this information has been used to understand existing character, uses and sensitivities along the coastline and to identify where positive change could bring the greatest benefit.
A number of opportunities are illustrated to help explain the ideas clearly and to support discussion about what Ventnor’s coastline could become.
What happens next?
This page provides a summary of the Landscape Vision & Opportunities Plan, highlighting its key themes and opportunities. The full report is available to download for those who would like to explore the detail behind the summary.
We encourage everyone to share their views in the question section. Your feedback will help refine these ideas and ensure that future decisions continue to reflect community priorities.
A Connected Coastal Route
- A continuous, high‑quality walking route from Steephill Cove to Monks Bay, with clearer signage, safer paths and better accessibility.
- Consistent materials, lighting and seating to make the coast feel unified and easy to navigate
A More Accessible Seafront for All
- Improved access points, steps and graded paths.
- More resting places, shaded seating and inclusive viewing spots.
- Clearer wayfinding between the coast, Ventnor Park, Salisbury Gardens and the town centre.
Better Public Spaces
- More places to sit, meet and enjoy the views.
- Upgraded toilets, with scope for showers and changing facilities where appropriate.
- Opportunities for better lighting, pop‑up spaces, small event areas and more vibrant public realm features.
Supporting Nature and Local Habitats
- Enhancements to coastal planting using climate‑resilient, pollinator‑friendly species.
- Protecting and improving habitats for species such as the Glanville fritillary and the Ventnor wall lizard.
- Potential features like vertipools and ecological improvements to rock armour to support marine life.
Celebrating Ventnor’s Culture and Character
- Protecting and enhancing heritage features such as the Cascade, railings, viewpoints and the Solar System Walk.
- Scope for interpretation boards, local stories, artwork and small creative installations rooted in Ventnor’s identity.
- Opportunities to restore or better use underused seafront buildings.
Improving Leisure and Recreation
- Enhancements to the skatepark, including potential seating, planting and shelter.
- Opportunities to improve swimming areas, water access and safer shoreline entry points.
- Ideas for pocket parks and small play features along the Eastern Esplanade.
Strengthening Safety and Resilience
- Exploring ways to refresh ageing sea defences while keeping visual openness and character in mind.
- Potential for improved emergency access, information boards, digital tide displays and appropriately located AEDs.
- Responding to climate change challenges with nature‑led and community‑supported solutions.
Maps
We are sharing a series of maps taken from our Landscape Vision and Opportunities Plan. These images show what we have learned so far about what the community would like to see at Ventnor seafront. The full plan is available to download if you would like to explore it in more detail.
We would really value your thoughts. Please look through the maps and tell us what you think. We would like to know whether we have captured your ideas accurately and if there is anything you feel we may have missed or interpreted incorrectly. Your comments will help us shape the next stage of this work and ensure that the ideas reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
Nothing is final and your feedback is an important part of this process.
We would love to hear your opinion on the Landscape and Vision Plan. Raise a question, comment or concern in the Question section and one of our team will reply to you within 2 working days. email the team at: IOW_FDschemes@environment-agency.gov.uk
Thank you for your contribution!
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