Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 4, 2024

Purpose: The report seeks approval for project delivery of the Hill Head to Portsmouth Harbour Beach Management Plan.  The proposed works involve beach renourishment along the coastal frontage between Hill Head and Portsmouth Harbour Entrance.  The approval for project delivery includes draw down of project funding, licensing and consents, procurement, and construction under the beach management plan.   The report seeks approval to implement the Hill Head to Portsmouth Harbour Beach Management Plan (BMP) 2024-2034, with construction works identified for financial year 2025/26 and 2026/27.   The BMP is derived from the adopted River Hamble to Portchester Strategy (2015) which recommended Beach Management as the preferred option to reduce coastal flooding and erosion risk to the communities between Hill Head and Portsmouth Harbour Entrance, whilst enhancing the environment and amenity value of the coastline over the next 10 years. The BMP also aligns with the adopted North Solent Shoreline Management Plan (2010) which recommends a policy of ‘Hold the Line’ for the entire frontage.   The BMP works will provide up to 10 years’ worth of benefits.  These will be undertaken at different locations in priority order, up to the project funding available, depending on the assets at risk behind the beach.   These will be categorised by considering the risk to property, key infrastructure, existing ‘hard’ defences (e.g seawalls), and the amenity value.   The BMP has been developed from extensive coastal modelling and technical analysis to develop the beach recycling parameters.  This will continue post works, to monitor performance and plan any further works.   While the geographical extent of the NMP crosses the local authority boundaries of both Gosport Borough Council (GBC) and Fareham Borough Council (FBC), each authority will take responsibility for its own works delivery and consenting.  These projects will be managed by Coastal Partners via an existing shared service agreement to ensure the overall BMP objectives are met.   Funding for the project has been allocated through the Environment Agency’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid and Other Government Department funding and will be approved should the Outline Business case be successful.  The project will seek additional funding where this can increase the outputs delivered under the project.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:   (a)  the implementation of the Hill Head to Portsmouth Harbour Beach Management Plan 2024-2034;   (b)  to submit the Outline Business Case to the Environment Agency to secure funding;   (c)  the submission of planning and consenting for the proposed works in Fareham; and   (d)  that the Director of Planning and Regeneration be authorised to procure and subsequently enter into an agreement to enable delivery of these works.