Green light for scheme to prevent collapse of public walkway

The proposals from Alexandra Quay Management Company seek to address issues with the steel sheet piled wall.

Land and structures were at risk of collapse, planning officers said.

A survey of the 21-metre section of the seawall found significant thinning and holing.

A statement submitted as part of the management company’s planning application said these issues left the public walkway at risk of failure.

The applicant plans to build a replacement wall around 1.3 metres further into the water, with the created space backfilled and the footpath widened by half a metre.

The scheme was assessed by Southampton City Council planning officers, who said the public footpath was closed due to the instability of the quay wall.

An officer’s report said: “The proposal would maintain and enhance the existing waterfront footpath access and is designed to secure the safety of the city and its residents.

“Furthermore, the scheme has been designed to take into account current and future flood risk.

“As such, the principle of development is considered acceptable.”

The application was approved by officers under delegated powers.

A flood risk activity permit from the Environment Agency and a licence from the Marine Management Organisation will be required before the scheme can be carried out.