Local MP Alan Mak has called on local authorities, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, environmental agencies and other stakeholder organisations to work collaboratively to do all they can to protect Langstone Mill Pond whilst developing a wider long-term strategy to enhance Chichester Harbour more broadly.
The Mill Pond is recognised as an important local landmark and is officially listed as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) by Hampshire County Council.
Mr Mak recently inspected the Mill Pond and surrounding area with Lyall Cairns, Head of Coastal Partners, the local agency tasked with coastal protection which Havant Borough Council is a partner for. Mr Mak put forward the views of local residents who have contacted him on the matter. Regarding the sea wall which protects the Mill Pond, Mr Cairns provided reassurance that although assessed to be in poor condition there has been no observed significant change to the sea wall recorded in the past twenty years.
However, separately, a nearby section of the sea wall to the east of the Mill Pond has failed and fallen into Chichester Harbour. This does pose a risk to the adjoining footpath according to Coastal Partners, who are working with Hampshire County Council (who have responsibility for the footpath) to secure its future.
Nonetheless it should not be assumed that one section of seawall failing means that the seawall further along the Harbour protecting the Mill Pond is also at immediate risk.
Although Havant Borough Council want to repair the failed section of sea wall, Chichester Harbour Conservancy currently oppose the move, arguing it would restrict the growth of the Harbour’s salt marshes.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy is managed by a Board made up of local councillors, including councillors from Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. The Board is chaired by Councillor Ann Briggs.
In 2021 Natural England undertook a condition review of the Chichester Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was found to be in a state of ‘Unfavourable Decline’, due in part to the 58% loss of saltmarsh habitat within the Harbour since 1946. One of the main recommendations from the review was to remove barriers to coastal change caused by inappropriate or unsustainable coastal management, which are causing saltmarsh erosion. In Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s view this could include work to repair the failed sea wall near the Mill Pond.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy also indicate that any work to protect the seawall around the Mill Pond itself should be part of a broader Harbour-wide strategic plan.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy has appointed an independent consultancy to produce a technical report into the sea defences from Langstone Mill Pond to Wade Lane. The consultants are Royal HaskoningDHV. The report is expected to provide a detailed assessment of the area and advise on options for future management, and is due to be published by the end of 2023.
Once the report is published, and options distilled down into a coherent plan, Mr Mak has called on all parties involved to work together to reach a practical solution.
Alan Mak MP said: “I’ve visited the Mill Pond and the seawall that protects it – and I’ve also inspected the separate section of failed sea wall further along the Harbour, guided by experts from Coastal Partners. I’ve called on Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Coastal Partners, local councils and environmental bodies to work together to agree a plan for the Mill Pond and also develop a wider strategy to enhance the Harbour as a whole. Whilst I am not a decision-maker on this issue, I will continue supporting efforts to protect and enhance this much-loved coastal area.”
Lyall Cairns, Head of Coastal Partners, said, “We welcome Alan’s support for our work collaborating with the Conservancy, local councils and other bodies to develop a holistic solution to improve the environmental health of the Harbour for future generations whilst valuing the heritage, tourism and landscape when considering the protection of the Mill Pond. Alan has consistently shown interest in and support for our work, and we look forward to staying engaged with him and other local stakeholders as we develop a plan.”
Photo: Alan Mak MP inspects the Langstone Mill Pond and surrounding area with Lyall Cairns, Head of Coastal Partners.
