Residents concerned that Gosport flood defence could be like 'the Berlin Wall'
PROPOSALS for sea defences around a lake have been blasted by nearby residents.
Gosport Borough Council has submitted a planning application for a flood wall between Little Anglesey Road and Clayhall Road, with a floodgate on the north side of the wall.
The council and Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership hope that this will protect the area from flooding for the next 100 years, but some residents are not convinced.
John Theodosiou, a retired chartered surveyor who lives in Little Anglesey Road, is worried that the work will spoil a quaint Gosport beauty spot – and that council hasn’t considered all of the possible options.
He said: ‘There is a very well-known painting by Martin Snape of this area, and now the council wants to build a mini Berlin Wall along here.
‘Everyone is in favour of flood prevention, but doing something like a lock under Jackie Spencer Bridge would be much more effective in protecting the surrounding area.
‘Under the current plans, homes in Alverstoke Village will be protected, but houses around here would be flooded and that’s a pretty big oversight.’
Mr Theodosiou’s comments have been mirrored by other residents.
David Harrison, who also lives in Little Anglesey Road, said: ‘I object to the application as it will not provide any additional prevention against flooding especially the properties in Little Anglesey Road.
‘The sluice gates by Jackie Spencer's bridge should be repaired at a fraction of the cost.’
Geoffrey Wheeler from Clayhall Road added: ‘The further downstream the defences are provided the better protection to both Alverstoke and Seafield would be provided.’
Maintenance repairs will also be made to the existing wall by Stokesmead.
The council’s regulatory board, which votes on planning applications, is due to next meet on October 14.
At this time it is unknown if the sea defences will be up for a vote that night.
Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Cllr Mark Hook, said: ‘The Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership has worked with us on the project and have drawn up this scheme.
‘It has brought out a lot of comments from residents and we will take those on board.’