Press Release

23 June 2017

Hill Head seawall works set to begin

Works to build a replacement seawall at Hill Head commence at the end of June.

Fareham Borough Council approved plans for the new £500,000 seawall earlier in the year to secure the long term future of the sea defences on the coastline. 

The replacement seawall will reduce the potential for coastal erosion on the cliffs behind the beach huts at Hill Head.  It will also help protect both beach huts and the promenade against high waves in stormy weather, improving access to the promenade throughout the year.

Site set up commences Monday 26 June with construction getting underway on Monday 3 July as originally planned.  Works should be completed by the end of September to avoid any environmental restrictions relating to over-wintering birds and a badger sett.

Whilst the works are carried out the following restrictions will be in place:

• The car park next to Hill Head Sailing Club will be closed to the public but the toilets in the car park will remain accessible.
• The western route from Cliff Road to the promenade will be closed.
• The beach huts at the western end will be fenced off as they are within the works area. The Council has agreed to a rent reduction for those affected during the period the beach huts can't be used. 

The Council's coastal engineers at the Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership (ESCP) will oversee the project and are working with the contractor, Raymond Brown Construction Ltd, to minimise disruption.

The plans include a 50cm barrier rail that will sit on top of a 60cm upstand wall.  Whilst there has been overwhelming support for the new seawall, the barrier rail has not been welcomed by some community groups.  In response the Council has commissioned a peer review of this aspect of the design.

Cllr Seán Woodward said: "I am concerned that people who have enjoyed this area for many years are unhappy at the decision to include a barrier rail.  A peer review means that a second set of experts will look at the approved design and just confirm to the Council whether a barrier rail is required."

The outcome of the independent peer review will be confirmed when known but it is not envisaged that it will delay the scheme.

ENDS

For further information contact:

The Communications Team, Tel: 01329 824310

e-mail: publicity@fareham.gov.uk

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