The Community & Environment Board of Gosport Council met on 19 June 2024 to discuss several key topics, including the progress of the Forton Coastal Defence scheme, updates on other local flood schemes, and the Stokes Bay Road Seawall Replacement project. Decisions were made to move forward with the Forton project, while updates were provided on the status and challenges of other flood defence initiatives.

Forton Coastal Defence Scheme

The board received an update on the Forton Coastal Defence scheme, which is now fully funded and ready to proceed. An experienced contractor has been appointed, and measures to mitigate risks to local badger populations have been implemented. Approximately 700 letters will be sent to local homes and businesses to inform them about the project, with public communications set to begin in March. The project is scheduled to start in April 2024 and complete by November 2024. Councillors expressed their gratitude to Coastal Partners Officers for their hard work and welcomed the project's commencement.

Alverstoke Flood Scheme

The Alverstoke flood scheme remains on hold due to unresolved issues with cables and a budget shortfall. The council is awaiting updates from the Environmental Agency on potential funding opportunities. By pausing the project, approximately £200,000 of the budget has been protected. The council emphasised that new funding would need to come from the government to cover the £800,000 shortfall.

Seafield Flood Scheme

The Seafield flood scheme is also on hold while project budgets are updated and funding opportunities are explored. The council is working on developing a forward plan to address the expected funding gap.

Stokes Bay Road Seawall Replacement

The Stokes Bay Road Seawall Replacement project covers a 135m section of failed seawall. The contract is out to tender, and responses are expected shortly. Planning permission has been secured, but the Marine License is still pending. The east car park will be used as a site compound, likely rendering it unavailable during the tourist season. Temporary repair works are in place to manage recent damage to the seawall until the project can start in the summer. Councillors requested to be kept informed about the status of the Marine License.