Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

16 July 2002

Project Appraisal: Lepe Sea Wall

Report of the County Surveyor

Item 12

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

LEPE SEA WALL

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

SEPTEMBER 2002

COMPLETION DATE:

NOVEMBER 2002

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2002/03

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at Aug 01

(at Aug 01

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

nil

nil

Construction

150

(

Fees

40

(190

190

190

Less developers/

other contributions

190

190

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (Flood Damage SCA)

190

(b) Other

190

2.

From other resources

TOTAL

190

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £nil

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

nil

nil

Capital charges

21

0.022

TOTAL net expenditure

21

0.022

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

The C119 Lepe Road, see attached location plan, is supported by the sea wall, part of which is in a poor condition and in need of repair. Two-thirds of the length between the café and the watch house was built as a concrete revetment by the County Council in 1985. The central section (either side of the outfall to the River Darkwater) was not replaced at that time. This was because of a land ownership issue and the section of existing revetment known as `war-time biscuit' being in a fair condition.

Following a number of instances of undermining over recent years, it is now proposed to replace this section. Land ownership has been clarified. The 'war time biscuit' is now in a poor condition, requiring frequent repairs, and the highway to the west of the outfall is being undermined by the sea, with holes appearing in the pavement.

The latest hole appeared during the week beginning 6 May 2002. This was approximately 600 millimetres in diameter, one metre deep and extending to at least 2.5 metres laterally beneath the footway. Further storm damage is a constant threat and the construction of this length of sea defence, not replaced in 1985, is now needed to protect the highway.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County network and policies

The scheme is required to discharge the County Council's statutory duty to maintain the highway. It is also in accordance with the `Western Solent and Southampton Water Shoreline Management Plan', produced by Sir William Halcrow and Partners Limited, which had input from the County Council, Southampton City Council, the Isle of Wight Council, New Forest District Council, Christchurch, Eastleigh and Fareham Borough Councils, Lymington Harbour Commissioners, the Environment Agency, English Nature, the former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Associated British Ports. Shoreline Management Plans, although non-statutory, are required by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in assessing proposed coastal defence works for grant aid.

Details of scheme and design standards

It is proposed to carry out the construction of the central section of the revetment wall before the winter of 2002/03. Subject to satisfactory outcomes from various consultations, the work will use the same design as the two adjacent sections, ie sloping revetment of concrete blocks with wave return wall at top (pavement level) and sheet piling at toe with concrete cap beam at beach level. Detailed plans and photographs will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

The site is within a Special Protection Area, Ramsar Site, Special Area for Conservation (candidate) and Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also adjacent to a National Nature Reserve.

An `Appropriate Assessment' in accordance with the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations 1994 has been undertaken. It has concluded that the works will not have an adverse effect on these sites when constructed in accordance with the methods and timing proposed.

Land requirements

No land acquisition is required. Land is in part owned by the County Council and in part by the Exbury Estate, with existing easements granted to the County Council.

Statutory procedures

The Environment Agency and English Nature have agreed with the findings of the `Appropriate Assessment'.

Planning approval is not required due to the agreement of the Environment Agency and English Nature, and the works will therefore be constructed as permitted development under Part 13 of the Town and Country (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

New Forest District Council Coast Protection Act approval and DEFRA licence, required under the Coast Protection Act 1949 and the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, are awaited.

Public consultation

Through the above processes.

Facilities for the disabled

The site location is rural and no specific provision has been made.

Maintenance implications

Minimum maintenance is expected in the first 20 years.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Thornber, supports the proposal.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

Not applicable.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

Alternatives considered were:

(i)

Beach Replenishment

Beach replenishment was considered to be a very short term solution, with the beach being eroded by the natural coastal process in a very short period, a small number of years at best. This short term solution was not considered to be acceptable.

(ii)

Sheet Piling with Rock Armour in Front

(as used to the west of the watch house)

Sheet piling and rock armour would be a more durable solution, but was discounted because rock is not indigenous to Hampshire and it could appear out of place between two existing lengths of concrete block revetment.

(iii)

Managed Retreat

Managed retreat was considered but would result in the loss of the highway and would be contrary to the policy outlined in the `Shoreline Management Plan', produced for New Forest District Council in consultation with the County Council, and the County Council's statutory obligations.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Working File

County Surveyor's Department

Room 308