Consensus has been reached, leading to a statement of common ground on the medium-term future for the sea defences between the Mill Pond and Wade Lane at Langstone, ensuring critical maintenance to manage this much-loved stretch of the coastline.
Following extensive discussion, Havant Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Natural England and the Environment Agency have agreed to the following for the next 25 years:
• Maintenance of the Mill Pond Wall
• Maintenance of the coastal path along its current route by construction of a footbridge towards Wade Lane.
All parties recognised the value of the asset and the importance of maintaining coastal access.
Acknowledging the longer-term future of Langstone and the harbour as a whole, a wider Chichester Harbour Investment and Adaptation Plan is proposed for the continuing management of the coastline. As this progresses, Havant Borough Council will continue to champion resident views on its development, whilst also recognising wider principles around supporting environmental, social and economic adaptation.
Councillor Alex Rennie - Leader of Havant Borough Council - said "The efforts of all parties to discuss, consider and address the requirements of coastal access between Langstone Mill Pond and Wade Lane has come to fruition, providing meaningful benefits for residents and visitors to our shoreline. Securing the commitment to a quarter of a century of maintenance for the defences is a tremendous result and cause for celebration."
Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Countryside, Councillor Russell Oppenheimer commented “I am really pleased that all the organisations with an interest in this area have come together to agree a plan that will enable visitors to enjoy access to the coastal route at this beautiful location. This includes a bridge to replace a section of the path where the sea wall is becoming unstable.”
Chairman of Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Councillor Ann Briggs stated “The partners have worked hard to reach a positive solution whereby the sea wall around Langstone Mill Pond will be professionally maintained and the coastal footpath, with its outstanding views across Chichester Harbour National Landscape, will remain in its current position by way of a new footbridge that will benefit local residents and visitors alike.”
Claire Francis, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, Environment Agency Solent & South Downs Area said “This is a positive conclusion to discussions with our partners and it recognises the value of safeguarding Langstone Mill Pond and coastal access to Wade Lane for the next 25 years.
"The proposed wider Chichester Harbour Investment and Adaptation Plan for the continuing management of the coastline will enable a broader approach to managed coastal adaptation in Chichester Harbour for the future.”
The full statement of common ground can be viewed at https://coastalpartners.org.uk/project/langstone-coastal-path-mill-pond-to-wade-lane-havant/.