Landslides

There have been a series of landslips in the Marina/West Hill Road area in recent weeks.

There has been an initial structural report which advised residents were able to return to their properties.

The structural survey also highlighted that the following notices should be served:

• Emergency Prohibition Orders have been served to two affected premises under the Housing Act 2004 notice and is our priority. It specifies particular parts of the property that are prohibited for any form of use for public safety and protection;
• Hazard Awareness Notice - these do not require the recipient to do anything but are used to formally draw their attention to the hazard that is present (in this case Structural Collapse and Falling Elements) and were issued to four affected premises.

Letters were hand delivered to affected properties in the area advising that the council does not own the land and that residents should contact their insurance companies or landlords. If any other slippage is seen, inform the emergency services on 999. 

The structural survey also identified and advised that a large excavation at the top of the hill, West Cliff Road, should be back filled and Planning Services have written today to all persons with an ownership interest advising:

• that planning permission may be required for the engineering works;
• that the hole to the rear of the building in question be backfilled within the next 2 days from receipt of the letter;
• querying what the works are in connection with as there is no current planning permission for works on site.

It is possible that the engineering works relate to the building of a structure that is permitted development. In this is the case then Planning Services will not be able to prevent the works. The property owners have been asked to provide further information.

We are satisfied that the council has and is in the process of discharging its duties with regard to this matter and any further actions will be the responsibility of the residents and landlords through their insurance companies.

We have put together some frequently asked questions about cliff falls and landslides.

There is also a landslide toolkit with advice for residents who are concerned about landslides in their area.