Following the production of an independent report by Royal Haskoning DHV on the sea wall between Langstone Mill and Wade Lane on behalf of Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Havant Borough Council wishes to highlight its position regarding partnership working and the future direction of travel regarding this well-loved stretch of coastline. Although pleased with progress made in some areas – alongside our expert officers at Coastal Partners – the council feels the benefits being offered are medium-term at best, and that the report fails to consider the following key points:
1. Whilst appreciating the evidence and stated rationale of the report, the council is disappointed with the outcome and its recommended approach.
2. Although short-term repairs such as a temporary footbridge to the Wade Court-end of the wall are welcomed, it represents a bitter-sweet victory knowing the defences will ultimately be allowed to fail. The council is eager to work with partners to secure this work in advance of the wall failing at this point to ensure optimum connectivity for residents and other users.
3. Recommendations made rely on a large number of assumptions, which the council does not feel are assured to happen. For example, the option to create a new pond is presented as a "nice to have", which when considering the investment that would be required (whilst losing existing amenity) does not provide confidence it would ever happen.
4. The long-term fall-back path option recommended by the report, cutting through Langstone Meadows, onto the Hayling Billy trail and then across a third footpath back to Wade Lane represents a full retreat and (in the council's opinion) a lack of commitment to maintaining a coastal path.
5. The council believes the distinctiveness of the defences and what they offer to residents and visitors alike is not fully appreciated by third parties. Their cultural, social and health & well-being value - and the associated benefits they bring to many thousands of people each and every year - have not been measured or captured in the options assessment for the defences.
6. The mill pond is part of the social fabric of Havant and its protection remains a vital objective of Havant Borough Council.
7. The council is acutely aware of the concerns of many residents about the loss of the defences and values the concerted efforts of many individuals and organisations such as the Havant Civic Society to promote the plight, question the rationale and provide alternative considerations for the defences.
8. If the council does not feel there is suitably robust commitment to secure the coastal path or guarantee investment in a meaningful alternative, it will consider formal lobbying in the hope of resolution before the defences are left to fail through neglect.
9. The council's position still stands; it strongly recommends against letting the defences fail at the expense of the existing environment. However, as it does not have the powers to protect or repair the defences, it will endeavour to work with partners where possible to secure the best possible future for this popular asset.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Alex Rennie stated, “In my mind, the true value of the sea wall asset has not been fully captured or considered in the options appraisal put forward, and I earnestly hope to work with partners to consider alternative options which meet the myriad of concerns that arise when considering these sea defences and the wider harbour area.”
“I am personally grateful that options are being put forward to maintain elements of the wall into the medium term, showing good will amongst partners and a nominal level of recognition for what the sea wall offers.”
“As a council, we do not want the wall to be allowed to fail. We will explore every option at our disposal to provide meaningful alternatives to the course of action presented by the report, in the hope we can maintain an asset which not only defines our landscape but provides a great amenity of physical, social and mental wellbeing value for residents and visitors alike to benefit from.”
“Our residents are clearly articulating the value they place upon the sea wall, and as a council we want to support and amplify their sentiment to show just how important this sea wall is to so many people.”
The report in question – provided by Royal Haskoning DHV – can be viewed on the Coastal Partners website at https://coastalpartners.org.uk/project/langstone-mill-pond-to-wade-lane-havant-166/ .