Visitors, residents and businesses of Portland are being consulted on plans to repair and protect a beloved bathing and diving spot.
As previously reported, Dorset Council has proposed new work to strengthen the seawall at Chesil Cove, Portland. This will include adding a new area of huge rocks to "break up the power of the waves" alongside repairs to the seawall.
The current wall was built in 1965 and designed to deflect waves and prevent major slumping of the land above which includes the main A354 road.
Some repairs were undertaken on the wall in 2011 after serious undercutting by the sea. However these have now been undermined and the sea is causing rotational movement at the southern end, threatening the slope system further.
Dorset Council’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management team (FCERM) has confirmed "urgent action" is required.
The team, along with consultants Jacob's, have proposed a new work scheme for the cove which includes the removal of 2011 emergency repairs works, replacing the sheet pile and repairs to the curved sea wall. It will also include adding a geotextile blanket and rock revetment to dissipate the incoming wave energy.
If this proposal is approved, planning, funding and licenses would then be sought ahead of any works, which likely won’t take place until at least 2026 or 2027.
Dorset Coast Forum is now inviting the community to share their views on this proposal and attend drop-in events throughout September.
Esmari Steenkamp of Dorset Council’s FCERM team said: “This is an important piece of infrastructure for generations to come and we are working with experts to achieve the best solution.
"The curved sea wall protects not only the landscape but houses, businesses and roads. Therefore, we want to encourage the entire community to come and speak to us. It is important that they share their opinions on the proposal.”
A public drop-in event will take place at Portland Community Venue on Wednesday, September 25 from 1.30pm until 4pm.
There will also be an online event on Monday September 23 from 6pm – 7pm with a presentation from engineers as well as a Q&A session.
You can also find out more on the Dorset Coast Forum website: https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/chesil-cove-curved-seawall
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