Decision details

This report seeks a decision to fund interim sea defence works at Salterns recreation ground, Fareham.  This will reinstate a 27 metre section of failed defences which are situated within Fareham Council owned land, to manage flood, coastal and financial risks to the Council, as a Coast Protection Authority.

Fareham’s sea defences are critical to managing flood and erosion risk, as well as providing safe public amenity spaces.  Their upkeep and maintenance are a recommendation of the adopted River Hamble to Portchester Coastal Strategy.

An aging Council owned seawall at Salterns recreation ground, Fareham collapsed on 08 December 2021 during Storm Barra, leading to coastal erosion and increased flooding.  Left unchecked this damage will likely spread to the adjoining Council owned defences, putting the road and homes at risk.  This proposal is to undertake interim Capital Works to reinstate the defences to avoid further deterioration, while a longer-term replacement scheme is considered.

The proposed works are to be funded by FBC capital and are not eligible for central government Grant-in-Aid

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  approves the proposal to carry out interim sea defence works at Salterns recreation ground, as outlined at paragraph 9 of the report;

(b)  agrees a capital budget of £98,000 to undertake the interim Capital Works once all the necessary procurement and consents have been secured; and

(c)  delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration to make a direct award of contract for the works.