New Plans to Assist Isle of Wight Communities Amid Rising Threats of Erosion, Flooding, and Landslides

Strategic Insights -

Plans to support communities on the Isle of Wight most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are being considered by the council's Environment and Community Protection Committee (ECPC). The proposed Landslide and Coastal Change Adaptation Plans (LCCAPs) aim to help communities prepare for and respond to coastal changes caused by rising sea levels and more frequent storms. In recent months, the island has experienced significant landslides, including one near Ventnor's Leeson Road in December 2023, which resulted in the closure of a key road and the evacuation of several properties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed Landslide and Coastal Change Adaptation Plans (LCCAPs) aim to support communities on the Isle of Wight most vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and landslides.
  • The plans will focus on areas such as Bonchurch, St Lawrence, Ventnor, and West Wight, which have been identified as being at high risk of coastal erosion and landslides.
  • The plans will be community-led and based on recent evidence from landslides, with actions including improving drainage and flood defences, relocating buildings, and restoring natural habitats.
  • The plans will reduce risks, protect public safety, and support the council's goals for climate action, nature recovery, and sustainable development.
  • The ECPC will meet to discuss the approval of funding, collaboration with partners, and the development of the LCCAPs.
  • In December 2023, a landslide near Leeson Road in Ventnor resulted in the closure of a key road, the evacuation of several properties, and the displacement of an estimated 2.5 million cubic meters of material.
  • Another landslide occurred in March 2024 in the Undercliff area of St Lawrence, affecting properties and closing Old Park Road.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 2.5 million cubic metres of material displaced in the December 2023 landslide.
  • The A3055 is now circa 10 metres away from the cliff edge, compared to 30 metres before the event.
  • An estimated 20 properties were evacuated due to the December 2023 landslide.
  • The Undercliff area of St Lawrence experienced another landslide in March 2024, affecting properties and closing Old Park Road.

Sources:

  • [Council's committee report, exact date not specified]
  • "[I]n December 2023, an estimated 2.5 million cubic metres of material was displaced after months of heavy rainfall in one of the Island's 'largest recorded landslides' in 'modern times' near Ventnor's Leeson Road." [Source: Unknown news article, exact date not specified]
  • "In March 2024, another landslide took place in the Undercliff area of St Lawrence, affecting properties and closing Old Park Road." [Source: Unknown news article, exact date not specified]