Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme: Bonchurch Update
Following the community meeting held at St Boniface Church on 29 September, more than 50 local Bonchurch residents heard the latest update from the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council on the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. This is one of the largest coastal erosion projects in the country replacing 3.6 km of Coastal defences to protect 3352 homes and businesses from Steephill Cove to Bonchurch.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share progress on the scheme, explain the investigations currently taking place and discuss what the developing proposals could mean for Bonchurch.
Monk's Bay now included in the scheme
One of the most significant developments is confirmation that Monk's Bay is now included as Bonchurch East as part of the Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme. The Environment Agency explained that this follows an assessment of the condition and remaining life of the existing coastal defences. As a result, Bonchurch East, including Monk's Bay, is now progressing through the options assessment process. This means that future coastal erosion risks and potential defence options for Monk's Bay will now form part of the wider scheme. The long list of options are being generated and evaluated between now and the end of 2026.
What do we know about the designs?
For Bonchurch West (Shore Road to Wheelers bay), outline designs are already relatively advanced. The selected approach includes rock armour protection together with repairs to the existing revetment. Two draft design drawings were shared at the meeting.
For Bonchurch East (Shore Road to Monk's Bay), options are still being assessed and no preferred engineering solution has yet been selected. A long list of potential approaches is currently being considered as part of the option appraisal process during the rest of 2026.
More detailed information on the developing options for Bonchurch East are expected at the next Bonchurch specific engagement event with the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council in January 2027.
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Ventnor Coastal Defence Scheme: Bonchurch Community Event with Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council
19th January 2027
Early evening
Venue TBC
Access, beaches and local amenities
Residents raised a number of questions about the distinctive character of the Bonchurch coastline, including access to the shoreline, beaches, rock pools and slipways. The Environment Agency advised retention of existing amenities form an important part of the design process and will need to be considered as the scheme develops.
In-land Landslide and Drainage issues
Residents raised concerns about the relationship between the scheme, and land instability and drainage issues further inland. They were informed there is a quarterly Landslide and Coastal Loss Forum chaired by Isle of Wight Council and attended by local councillors, MPs, interested community groups and other agencies, including Southern Water and Environment Agency.
Construction and disruption
Main construction works are not expected until later in the programme, but investigation and preparatory work is already taking place.
The Environment Agency indicated that, where possible, materials could be brought in by sea to reduce the need for large vehicles travelling through residential areas. During works on the Bonchurch promenade, the intention is also to maintain public access in evenings and at weekends and provide diversion routes where necessary.
Staying informed and getting involved
The best way to stay informed and ensure your views are heard is to engage directly with the Environment Agency. Residents are encouraged to find out more about the scheme, sign up for updates and submit comments via:
https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/ventnor-coastal-defence-scheme
The Environment Agency has a public information office at the Eastern Esplanade site compound in Ventnor, where people can find out more about the scheme and speak to members of the project team.
Opening times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am–2pm
From 29 September to 26 November 2026
Questions, comments and requests for project updates can also be sent by email to:
IOW_FDschemes@environment-agency.gov.uk
The Environment Agency has also indicated that a new Coastal Community Group for Ventnor will be established. This is expected to provide a further opportunity for communities across the scheme area to receive updates and discuss proposals as they develop.
To receive Bonchurch-specific news and updates on a variety of matters, residents can sign up at:
https://bonchurchvillage.co.uk/get-involved
Informal Bonchurch Community discussion meeting - Bonchurch Coastal Defence
3 November 2026, 6.00pm-7.30pm
St Boniface Church, Bonchurch Shute
Following the recent meeting with the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council some residents have suggested an informal meeting to discuss the information available so far, consider the possible implications for the village, identify any outstanding questions and help residents prepare for the January engagement event. All Bonchurch residents welcome.