An iconic Isle of Wight road — dubbed one of the most scenic drives in the country by Visit England — could be left to collapse when its future is decided tomorrow (Tuesday), by the Isle of Wight Council's planning committee.
Plans to stabilise part of the iconic Military Road are being recommended for refusal, because council officers say there are significant environmental impacts.
Highways contractor, Island Roads, wants to build a 26-metre-long wall, drilling 21 metres into the ground to install piles, to further prevent the cliff edge from collapsing.
It says it is a temporary measure until a long-term solution is found.
The plans were first submitted three years ago and are a key part of the 25-year-long Highways PFI contract.
Part of the scenic drive, between Brook and Hanover Point, is less than five metres away from the cliff edge and Island Roads says the road could be at risk within seven years, if the current rate of erosion continues.
This particular part of Military Road is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as being a Special Area of Conservation; a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the Tennyson Heritage Cost.
Those opposed to the plan, commenting on the Isle of Wight Council's website, say the stretch of coastline should be left to erode and have called for no money to be spent on coastal defences there. Instead, they want the iconic road to be rerouted.
The National Trust owns this part of the West Wight.
A spokesperson said: "We’re still very much at the discussion stage with the Council [about re-routing the road]. It’s a complex negotiation."
Other concerns have been raised about the loss of habitat and the geological and archaeological risks.
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