PAPER D

Purpose : For Decision

EXECUTIVE - 21 AUGUST 2001

SEAVIEW DUVER COAST PROTECTION SCHEME

PORTFOLIO HOLDER - PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND WASTE

To seek approval from the Executive for formal submission of the application to the Department of Environment, Flood and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for coast protection grant aid for the Seaview Duver coast protection scheme.

BACKGROUND

Since 1996 the Council has been developing proposals for a coast protection scheme at Seaview Duver extending from Oakhill Road to Bluett Avenue (see attached plan). Following detailed negotiations and discussions with the statutory consultees, a planning application for the scheme has now been submitted to the Council.

As part of the Engineer's Report to be sent to DEFRA which sets out the case for coast protection grant aid, it is necessary for a copy of the Minute of the appropriate Council committee to be included with the submission. The Council has approved the submission to MAFF previously but this requires updating.

Subject to receipt of planning consent (a planning application will be considered shortly), and scheme approval, the civil engineering works are expected to start in the early New Year with a construction period of 9-12 months.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS

The former Environment and Technical Services Committee of the Council received numerous reports on the development of the scheme over the intervening period and four public consultations meetings and exhibitions have been held, the most recent being on the 22nd March 2001. The scheme has the full support of Seaview Parish Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The estimated cost of the scheme is �2,410,000 which includes the cost of technical investigations and studies, staff time, consultant's design fees, site supervision and construction of a new sea wall, rock revetment, access steps to the beach, reconstruction of drainage outfalls, upgrading of the slipway and pavement behind the new sea wall.

The project should receive 55% coast protection grant aid from the Ministry and ring-fenced coast protection SCA for the balance of the capital cost. The cost of borrowing will, under current rules, also be substantially met by the Ministry over the 50 year life of the scheme.

RECOMMENDATION

An application be submitted to DEFRA for a coast protection scheme for the Seaview Duver frontage.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

1. Reports to the Environment and Technical Services Committee dated 9th March 2000, 18th November 1999, 9th September 1999, 25th May 1999, 8th March 1999, 17th December 1998, 6th August 1998, 24th June 1998, 19th March 1998, 28th January 1998 and earlier reports.

2. 'Proposed coast protection at the Duver, Seaview' - Environmental Statement, Posford Duvivier Environment/Isle of Wight Council, April 2001.

Contact Point : Mr R McInnes,  823770