Updated sea defence plans for south parade pier set for review
Plans for more sea defence work around South Parade Pier will go before Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee on November 12.
The council has submitted three applications connected to its ongoing seafront flood defence project, which covers the stretch between the Pyramids Centre and South Parade Pier.
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The first application proposes updates to previously approved plans. The main change is to replace the current design with new, more detailed drawings.
Under the latest plans, new coastal defences would be built using large, pre-made concrete steps designed to reduce erosion.
Behind these, a low wall and terraced planting would help link the seafront to the road and soften the appearance.
The promenade would be raised to about five metres above sea level, though the section beneath the pier canopy would stay at its current height. The beach in front of the pier would also be reshaped and slightly widened.
New seating and short walls would be added on both sides of the pier to help connect the new sea defences. The pier itself would not be altered, and existing steps and ramps would remain.
Raising the promenade would mean the beach is harder to see from the road and ground floors, but planting would help make the changes blend in. The council said the materials and design would fit in with the pier and surrounding conservation area.
Two listed building applications have also been submitted – one for South Parade Pier and another for the historic seafront lamp columns.
The second application covers work around the pier itself, including resurfacing the promenade and replacing the paving under the pier canopy.
These works would strengthen flood protection without affecting the pier’s structure.
The third application seeks permission to temporarily remove seven Grade II listed lamp columns so they don’t get damaged while the new defences are built.
The council said the lamps would be “carefully recorded and inspected” by specialists before being taken down.
They would then be repaired, rewired, and reinstalled in roughly the same positions once construction is complete. The work aims to protect and extend their life “as a cohesive group.”
All three applications will be decided when the city council’s planning committee meets on Tuesday, 12 November.