Hengistbury Head long groyne could be demolished and replaced

BCP Council has warned of “significant and substantial” consequences if action is not taken soon on groynes at the beauty spot.

Plans are in place to demolish Hengistbury Head’s existing long groyne, which is 80 years old and in “poor condition”, and replace it with a new armour stone and pre-cast concrete groyne 150m in length.

The council fears if action is not taken to erect a new groyne defence structure, much of the coastline and nearby houses and huts could be lost.

Examination work was carried out last year (Image: BCP Council)

In a planning statement, the council warned: “Within the next 50 years there would be loss of assets and the beach along the seafront, both in Bournemouth and Christchurch including loss of the beach huts on Mudeford Spit.

“There would also be substantial loss of heritage value in terms of the archaeological interests associated with Hengistbury Head.

Read more: Investigation works on long groyne at Hengistbury Head

“In combination with other existing coastal defences, the structure helps to protect against the loss of 5,810 residential properties and disruption to local communities, local businesses and tourism in the area.”

Changes to the Solent Beach car park will also be temporarily brought in as construction for the groyne, which needs planning permission first, begins.

Long Groyne at Hengistbury Head (Image: Daily Echo)

An office will be located at the car park, with access required from three sites including via Broadway, Hengistbury Head car park through the sand dunes and Solent Beach car park.

BCP Council added: “The long groyne at Hengistbury Head plays a critical role in reducing coastal erosion in Poole Bay and is a stabilising feature for Christchurch Bay.

“However, its current condition, age and the site’s prevailing weather conditions means it is unable to continue to perform effectively, particularly with sea level rise projections and an increasing number of storm events as a result of climate change.

Read more: Long Groyne at Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, at risk of collapse

“The project will enable the continuation of the long groyne as a critical coastal protection structure through the repair and upgrade of the existing long groyne.

“The new groyne will offer additional protection to the coastline, private property, ecology and heritage designations and will provide longer-term resilience to the impacts of climate change.

“Environmental enhancements are proposed within the foreshore area adjacent to the long groyne, and funding for the creation of a habitat pond will also provide biodiversity enhancements to the area.”

If approved, construction could begin in the spring or summer of 2024 and the new groyne would protect the seafront from coastal erosion for 100 years.