2 weeks Ago
Plans have been submitted to reinforce a riverbank to protect houses and gardens from "collapse". The application to Arun District Council outlines engineering works aimed at fortifying the riverbanks behind homes on Shripney Road, Shripney, West Sussex. The plans aim to "reinforce part of the garden boundary that is slipping into the ditch at the rear of each property".
The current riverbanks, part of an unnamed main river behind The Oaks and Garth Cottage, are showing signs of slipping into the river channel. This situation is leading to subsidence next to the properties, which are potentially at risk from the "gradual bank collapse". The new scheme follows on from earlier riverbank reinforcement work that took place to the north.
READ NEXT: I tried Fatto a Mano's viral pineapple pizza - and my Italian ex would be fuming The application was submitted by Bersted Parish Council, which also plans to apply for public footpath improvements for local residents. A separate application will be made for River Flood Risk Activity Permitting (FRAP) for works to a main river. The specific area in question is a 430-square metre site on the west side of Shripney Road.
The unnamed river in question is a tributary of the Aldingbourne Rife, which flows into the English Channel at Bognor Regis. The unnamed river is approximately 1.4m to 1.
6m deep and has natural vegetated banks. The plans propose reinforcing an eight metre stretch of the eastern bank where initial signs of collapse have been observed. Other planned works include replacing a 450mm diameter culvert, which is currently partially submerged and silted, with a larger 600mm precast concrete culvert.
READ NEXT: Popular Harveys pub could be converted into visitor centre A footbridge made of timber with a concrete deck and timber handrails will also be replaced. The new bridge will have its soffit level above that of the existing bridge, ensuring no restriction to the river channel capacity. The bridge will be brought to the site in kit form, assembled there, and then craned into place.
The responsibility for maintaining the watercourse banks lies with the Riparian Owners, which include the residential properties Garth Cottage and The Oaks on Shripney Road. The planning application describes the planned works as a continuation of previous efforts to maintain the width of the river channel. This new scheme, like the earlier phase, aims to prevent the risk of bank collapse and subsidence near properties.
The planning application can be viewed on Arun District Council's planning portal using reference number BE/102/24/PL..
