Residents petition for changes to erosion defence plan

The Hon Ralph Montagu says people living on privately owned sections of foreshore could be denied the right to defend their homes from the sea.

Coastal erosion is posing a threat to about 70 homes between Calshot and Lymington, including a beach house owned by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

However, the draft North Solent Shoreline Management Plan divides the area into six sections that have been given varying levels of protection.

Parts of the coastline will be safeguarded under a policy known as “Hold the Line” while neighbouring sections will be left to crumble.

The different designations take several factors into account, including erosion risks and land use. But campaigners say it means some residents will be refused planning permission to extend or improve their sea defences, allowing gaps to develop.

Ralph Montagu is chairman of the North Solent Coastal Group, which is calling for the document to be amended.

Members want the whole shoreline to be designated Hold the Line, ensuring that every landowner has the right to defend their property.

Mr Montagu said: “The area needs to be treated as a single unit because the elements do not recognise man-made boundaries. Erosion or a breach in a stretch abandoned under the plan could have disastrous consequences for neighbouring landowners trying to ‘hold the line’.”

The plan covers more than 380km of Hampshire and West Sussex coast and has been produced by 15 local authorities, including New Forest District Council.

Mr Montagu and fellow members of the group presented a petition to council leader Barry Rickman outside Lord Montagu’s beach house near Needs Ore.

Cllr Rickman said the document could be revised in the light of fears expressed by the landowners.

“I understand the concerns that have been raised and I hope that we will be able to soften our approach,” he said.