Plans to shore up the Isle of Wight’s iconic Military Road have been refused.
Members of the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee last night (Tuesday) turned down plans to stabilise the section between Brook and Hanover Point, in line with officers’ recommendation.
They said the work was likely to have had a significant adverse impact on the landscape and beauty and would have hit protected habitats, including an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Scientific Sites of Special Interest.
Members also said the scheme had not considered the impact on the adjacent coastal path.
Seven councillors refused the plan, however councillors Matt Price and Claire Critchison chose to support the scheme, calling the Island road a ‘lifeline’.
The plan was to build a 26-metre-long wall, to prevent the cliff edge from collapsing further, by drilling 21 metres deep into the ground to install piles.
Billed as a temporary solution, it set out to support the award-winning route which, in some parts, is now less than five metres away from the cliff edge.
Island Roads, which was behind the scheme, said if the current rate of erosion continues the road will be at risk in fewer than seven years.
Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said:
“The planning committee’s decision to refuse the planning application for stabilisation works to the Military Road considered the economic, social and environmental benefits and harm of the proposal.
“The natural beauty of the West Wight landscape is acknowledged as of national importance through a multiplicity of designations, including being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of the wider UNESCO Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve.
“The plans considered by the planning committee were deemed to likely damage these internationally and nationally designated sites, not only harming delicate eco-systems and habitats, but the very essence of what makes this road so special — its scenic beauty.
“The road remains open while we continue to work with local communities and landowners to assess alternative options.”
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