Following on from our report last week that the Ventnor Town Council were requesting an extension to the deadline for comments on the Shoreline Management Plan, we hear further news today.

Firstly, we hear that the National Association for Local Councils (NALC) are investigating whether they can take legal action to put an injunction on the Isle of Wight council. Their aim is to have the deadline for comments extended by two weeks from 23 October. We’ll let you know once we hear more on that.

Consultation exhibition in Ventnor
We also hear that most of the travelling exhibition for the draft Shoreline Management Plan 2 is now situated in the foyer area of the Winter Gardens, on show for any local residents who did not make it along to any of the other Islandwide consultation days.

Appeal from reader for Islanders to act
In addition, we received an email from a VB reader this afternoon which, given the importance of the subject, we thought we’d share with you. We believe it has been sent widely around the Island, so you may have already seen it and joined the Facebook group mentioned at the bottom. (more…)

St Lawrence councillor, Chris Bonney, last night told the Ventnor Town Council about a new Isle of Wight council consultation taking place over the next three months.

The Draft Shoreline Management Plan 2 is a strategic document setting out policies for the management of the Island’s coastline over the next 20, 50 and 100 years.

The policies also cover the council’s response to coastal flooding and erosion risks. (more…)

Running along the southern edge of the Isle of Wight’s downs, Military Road overlooks the stunning emerald sweep of Brighstone Bay.

Thousands of visitors each year glimpse the breathtaking view of the white chalk cliffs, towering out of the sea along the coast to Freshwater.

But the elements are now taking their toll as coastal erosion threatens long stretches of the road.

Campaigners now want the picturesque route saved. (more…)

RISING sea levels over the next 100 years will leave 730 homes and businesses at risk in the Bembridge and St Helens area alone.

And what can be done to protect them from catastrophic flooding are to be detailed at a public exhibition.
Views from residents and key stakeholders have already shaped the draft coastal defence strategy and the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council is now seeking comment from residents on the options before they are finalised. (more…)