Gosport Borough Council Urged to Approve Swift Action on Seawall Replacement Project Costing £1.2 Million
The Gosport Borough Council is facing the pressing need to agree on a £1.2 million sea defense project, highlighting the crucial importance of approving it quickly to avoid spiraling costs. The council stated that if the scheme is not initiated promptly, expenses could skyrocket, especially with the potential for increased costs over the next winter season.
The forthcoming January 11 council meeting will witness the Stokes Bay Seawall replacement project team presenting the latest information concerning the initiative. The project aims to restore and rebuild 135 meters of the 1970s collapsed sea defenses along Stokes Bay Road and the Gosport coastline. The budget allocated for this undertaking has now swelled to £1,259,317 million, more than double the initial estimation.
According to a report, the fundamental objective of this project is to reduce the risks of flooding and erosion to crucial infrastructure, including a road, while addressing long-term health and safety concerns. Furthermore, the initiative aims to reinstate public amenities and recreational spaces, aligning with the Gosport Borough Local Plan and seeking to enhance physical and mental health and general well-being.
The report revealed that the funding shortfall of nearly £760,000 can be attributed to hyperinflation and its impact on the cost of construction materials, fuel, plant hire, and labor. Additionally, further damage and deterioration to the existing seawall caused by Storm Eunice in February 2022 have contributed to the increased expenses.
Initially, the project had a budget of £500,000, with £450,000 provided by Gosport Borough Council and £50,000 from Hampshire County Council. To bridge the funding gap, a local levy bill amounting to £756,317 was approved in October 2023 by the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.
Moreover, the ongoing adverse winter weather, exemplified by Storm Henk’s recent assault, has raised concerns about potential additional damage. The construction phase of the scheme must be carried out between April and September 2024 due to its proximity to a special protection area.
In case difficulties in securing a contractor or the funding gap derail the project this summer, the council documents warn of the likelihood of increased costs for replacing the sea defenses during the upcoming winter weather.
During their meeting next week, Gosport Borough Council is expected to grant the authority to the council’s chief executive to review bids from contractors, award the contract, and initiate the necessary work.
The urgent need for approval emphasizes the critical nature of this project. Failure to act swiftly could result in substantial financial implications, thus underscoring the importance of expediting the process to protect and strengthen the coastal area.
It is vital for the Gosport Borough Council to heed the warnings and swiftly authorize the necessary steps to proceed with the crucial seawall replacement project. The potential financial ramifications of inaction are significant, making it imperative to act promptly in the best interests of the community and the area’s long-term sustainability.
