Ventnor and the Undercliff 4
General actions for this subsection
This shows the actions generic to the whole of this subsection. For further actions relating to specific locations, select an area on the map above or use the postcode/location search and click on the Action Plan tab.
All actions are subject to funding and approval, often by other parties than the Lead Organisation shown.
| Reference Number | Action Description | Action Lead Organisation | Action Progress Status | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.4.05 | Consider removal of any surplus man-made structures below vegetated cliffs within SMP Zone 4 (e.g. Luccombe to Dunnose cliffs). This is delivered as part of routine business. | Isle of Wight Council | Cancelled | Low |
Download SMP documents
The information on this website represents the current SMP management approaches adopted by the local authorities within its area, and current actions needed to deliver them. These management approaches have been approved by the Environment Agency under its Strategic Overview for coastal flood and erosion risk management and are considered to be local policy.
The documents below provide the full SMP adopted locally and approved by the Environment Agency at the time of publication. Some of the information has changed in response to new government policy, new evidence or new work identified.
Data on this page
Main report
Appendices
- Appendix A: SMP development
- Appendix B: Stakeholder engagement
- Appendix C1: Coastal processes and climate change
- Appendix C2: Defence appraisal (including maps of the coastal defences: maintainer, type, condition and residual life)
- Appendix C3: Scenarios of future shoreline change (including erosion maps for the ‘No Active Intervention’ and ‘With Present Management’ scenarios)
- Appendix D: Natural and built environment baseline (including maps of nature conservation designations, coastal habitats and heritage features)
- Appendix E: Issues and objectives evaluation
- Appendix F: Strategic Environmental Assessment (including addendum)
- Appendix G: Scenario testing
- Appendix H: Economic appraisal
- Appendix I: Habitat Regulations Assessment - Appropriate Assessment
- Appendix J: Water Framework Directive (WFD) Assessment
- Appendix K: Reference list and bibliographic database
- Appendix L: Information to the Secretary of State according to regulations 49(5) and 51(2) of the Habitats Regulations; and Statement to Defra on SRHCP and IW the SMPs compliance with the Habitat Regulations
- Appendix M: Statement of environmental particulars
Supporting documents
About this subsection
The Ventnor Undercliff area from Bonchurch in the east to Blackgang in the west is an area of complex geology, and the evolution of these cliffs and slopes gives rise to the unique pattern of development, natural environment, and coastal scenery. The town of Ventnor and communities at Bonchurch, St. Lawrence and Niton are the main residential areas. The St Lawrence Undercliff is less developed and active coastal change is occurring at Blackgang. The steepest and most developed parts of the Undercliff are defended from coastal erosion, including at Ventnor, but ground stability in the Undercliff is also affected by groundwater and rainfall. The area is important for the Isle of Wight’s tourist industry and local businesses.
The entire shoreline length is legally protected as a Special Area of Conservation with widespread Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including importance for geology. The western half of the Undercliff area is also within the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, along with many sections of the Isle of Wight coast.