Coastal flood defences at Land and coast adjacent to Langstone Road, Havant

What was proposed

The application proposed a coastal flood and erosion scheme with embankments, walls, gates, improved paths, landscaping, highway works and ecological measures.

“Proposal: Flood and coastal erosion risk management scheme comprising a combination of raised earth embankments, raised footpaths / cycleways, sheet piled sea / flood defence walls with cladding and flood glass, provision of flood gates, associated landscaping and landscaping improvements including street furniture), tree works and tree removals, realigned sections of cycleway / walkway, highway alterations and improvements, ecological improvements and temporary compounds…”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier applications within or near the site were found not to have a direct impact on the proposal, alongside four related listed building applications.

“Due to the scale, nature and siting of the proposed scheme, there are a number of historic planning applications within the red line boundary, or within close proximity. No applications have been found that have a direct impact on the proposal.”

“Accompanying the full planning application are four related Listed Building Consent applications. These are as follows:”

Officer report

Why permission was recommended

Officers found that long-term flood protection, climate resilience, heritage protection and public access benefits outweighed identified policy conflicts and environmental harm.

“In heritage terms, the scheme would result in less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Langstone Conservation Area and to the setting of certain listed buildings at Frontages 3, 4 and 5, arising from the introduction of more formal and engineered flood defence structures along parts of the historic waterfront. It would fail to meet the requirements of LP Policy CS11.4.”

“7.113In heritage terms, the identified less than substantial harm is considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme, in accordance with national planning policy. In ecological terms, the reliance on an approved strategic compensation programme reflects a lawful and accepted approach to addressing unavoidable habitat loss arising from necessary coastal defence works.”

Officer report

Public views

Forty-nine representations included objections about disturbance, appearance, heritage, ecology, drainage, access and maintenance, alongside support for flood protection and improved routes.

“Neutral representations generally provide comments or seek reassurance regarding the proposed scheme rather than expressing support or objection. These include observations relating to flood risk and the long-term operation of the defences, requests for clarity on construction management, phasing and working practices, queries regarding temporary access arrangements and footpath diversions during construction, and questions about future maintenance and responsibility for…”

“Officer comment: These comments are noted. Where relevant, matters raised are addressed in Part 7 of this report (Planning Considerations) under the appropriate topic headings, including Flood Risk and Coastal Protection, Construction Impacts, Access and Transport, and Management and Maintenance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillors Hulls and Munday addressed the committee, followed by officers representing Havant Borough Council.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the application and deputees’ views, including path access, drainage, conservation protection, construction communication and future maintenance.

“The Committee discussed the application in detail together with the views raised by deputees.”

Minutes