Chichester District Council are undertaking urgent work to a section of the seawall at Selsey West Beach.
This work is necessary to address deterioration identified during recent inspections and to ensure the continued effectiveness of the coastal defences in this area. This frontage is particularly exposed to storm conditions and has previously required emergency repairs in both 2007 and 2023.
Why is this work needed?
A section of the existing seawall is approaching the end of its serviceable life and requires strengthening to ensure it continues to provide an effective coastal defence.The planned works will stabilise and reinforce the structure, reducing the risk of coastal erosion to the local community while longer-term improvements are developed through the Selsey Coastal Scheme.
If this section of seawall were to fail before the Selsey Coastal Scheme is delivered, there would be a significantly increased risk of coastal erosion and flooding to nearby homes and infrastructure. The existing seawall also plays an important role in maintaining the current defence line and will support the future delivery of the Selsey Coastal Scheme.
Why are the works taking place during the summer?
The seawall is a vital defence for nearby homes and infrastructure, and recent inspections have confirmed that repairs are needed as soon as possible.
The project has been delivered through an accelerated programme to allow construction to give the biggest working window before the winter storm season when this frontage regularly experiences high-energy wave conditions. Completing the works before winter will reduce the risk to the local community before delivery of the Selsey Coastal Scheme.
What work will be carried out?
The work includes:
• Installation of a new steel sheet pile wall in front of the existing seawall
• Drilling into the structure and filling any voids found
• Placing concrete between new and existing structures to reinforce the seawall
• Enclosing sections of the current concrete revetment where required
Working Hours
• Start Date: 24th August 2026
• Duration: Approximately 12 weeks
• Normal working hours: 7:00am - 7:00pm (Notice will be given for works taking place outside of these hours)
• Work hours and activities may vary depending on tidal conditions and safe access to the site.
What can I expect to see in the area?
During the works, you may see:
• The site set-up will consist of welfare for the site team, the site working area and storage spaces
• Temporary plastic fencing will be used to separate pedestrians from construction vehicles when deliveries are made to site
• A small number of cars for the site team will be parked on West Street in the designated parking area
• All deliveries will be supervised by traffic marshalls
• Deliveries of sheet piles to site, which will be unloaded by a crane on the vehicle, and placed in laydown areas
• Deliveries of concrete to site, which will be pumped to the frontage through a pipe along the existing seawall
• The work will take place from the foreshore in front of the existing defences
How will I access the beach?
Access to the works area is extremely constrained. As a result, the existing access ramp often used for beach access will be located within the construction site and will be closed to the public for the duration of the works.
The public footpath next to the HM Coastguard station will remain open at all times and can be used to access the beach. For your safety, please follow all signage and keep clear of construction activities and the designated work site.
Who can I speak to about these works?
If you have any queries or would like further information on the works, please contact: selsey.coastal@havant.gov.uk
We apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works and thank you for your patience and cooperation while they are completed.