Swanage Town Council has confirmed that the works to stabilise and enhance land in its ownership on Shore Road, referred to as the Swanage Green Seafront Scheme, are unlikely to commence before September 2027. During the recent public engagement process, the Council had indicated that it was planning for works to get underway in autumn 2026.
The additional time will allow the Council to fully consider potential changes to the Green Seafront proposals in response to feedback received from members of the public and ensure that all funding options have been fully explored. Over the next 18 months a full planning application will be required prior to procurement of an appropriate contractor to undertake the works. The Town Council, in its capacity as a charitable trustee, is also taking steps to ensure that matters relating to the future ownership and management of Sandpit Field and the Weather Station Field are addressed.
In taking this decision, the Town Council is also mindful that the condition of this property continues to deteriorate, and the timescales will be kept under constant review in case of any sudden change in ground stability.
By commencing works in early autumn 2027 it is hoped that the construction can be completed before the 2028 summer season, although, given the amount of work required, this remains an ambitious target date.
The Town Council has also agreed that it will commission a report to review whether the current preferred primary method of stabilising the seafront land (by soil nails) is definitely the most cost-effective way to stabilise the ground for the long term (c. 100 years). This approach was identified by professional ground engineers on the basis of initial reports on the instability of the land but was questioned by some of those attending the recent public engagement meetings, both in terms of suitability and cost. Councillors recognise that it is good practice to review the best stabilisation method prior to committing further public funds. It is anticipated that the outputs of this technical report will be made publicly available. The cost of the report will be below £1,500.
Finally, the Town Council is looking forward to receiving the analysis of the responses to the recent public engagement from Dorset Coast Forum. There was a fantastic response rate with lots of useful feedback so a big thank you to all who took the time to complete the survey. A report will be published summarising the responses in advance of consideration at a Council meeting in the autumn. Keep following the Town Council’s Facebook page for further news!
For further information, please visit:
Swanage Green Seafront Stabilisation & Shore Road Enhancement Scheme | Dorset Coast Have Your Say