Calls for cycle paths as plans for next stage of North Portsea sea defences to be considered

WORK to protect the north of the city from rising sea levels is set to continue with plans for another stretch of defences up for approval - but residents are asking for new cycle paths as part of the scheme.

Portsmouth councillors will consider proposals for updated sea defences along the east of the city - from Kendall's Wharf to Milton Common - at a meeting this week.

Sketches of what the sea defences off the Eastern Road in Portsmouth could look like north of the sailing club. Picture: Portsmouth City Council | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — Sketches of what the sea defences off the Eastern Road in Portsmouth could look like north of the sailing club. Picture: Portsmouth City Council | Other 3rd Party

If approved the 1.2 mile project will include a new vertical sea wall with stepped revetment, the raising of the existing coastal footpath, additional seating and viewing areas, and the creation of an offshore bird island.

It will be the the fifth section of the North Portsea sea defence scheme to be completed, which will protect the coastline from the Mountbatten Centre to the bottom of Milton Common.

Sketches of what the sea defences off the Eastern Road in Portsmouth could look like south of the Harvester restaurant.Picture: Portsmouth City Council | Other 3rd Party

This is how new sea defences in the north of the city could look

However, local groups believed the need for cycle paths along Eastern Road should be addressed as part of the plans.

Chairman of the Milton Neighbourhood Planning Forum, Rod Bailey, said: 'There is an opportunity to use the Kendall's Wharf to Milton Common works to improve cycling provision to allow an alternative to the Eastern Road section of the National Cycle Route 222, which is non-compliant with national safety standards.

'It would also allow cyclists to be separated from toxic exhaust fumes so harmful to human health, especially important where vehicular traffic forms the biggest single polluter.'

Sketches of what the sea defences off the Eastern Road in Portsmouth could look like at high tide at Roost Island. Picture: Portsmouth City Council. | Other 3rd Party

The Portsmouth Cycle Forum agreed. A spokesman said: 'The scheme does not provide a practical cycle route along the shoreline despite being an ideal opportunity to give a more valuable asset to the city.

'The views of the Milton Neighbourhood Planning Forum are endorsed, to improve by widening the pathway throughout the scheme to accommodate cyclists beside the sea.'

The Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership, which is leading the scheme, said: 'Access tracks will provide pedestrian access as well as access for occasional maintenance vehicles.

'It is anticipated that the track will only be used by cyclists infrequently as the main north-south cycle route runs adjacent to Eastern Road.'

Proposals will be decided at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, February 19.