Seatown Regeneration Project
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‘Saving Seatown for the Future’: Seatown Regeneration Project Strengths Weaknesses Close to A35 main Trunk Road & easy reach of Narrow & tortuous vehicular access from A 35; public transport service leads to congestion at peak times, with few and no Accommodation available at Caravan Park at proper passing places Seatown and other facilities in Chideock Access used by cars and towed touring caravans Local Shop in caravan site which adds to difficulties. Attractive coastal location No coach access or parking which restricts visitor Access to the Beach and Jurassic Coast World market Heritage Restricted access and turning at Seatown and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty conflict with pedestrians & residents Geology & Fossil collecting Unauthorised parking on double yellow lines in Main access point for Golden Cap [Iconic summer causing congestion and blocking of road symbol of WHS & Highest Point of South Coast] for service and emergency vehicles Access to SW Coast Path to both directions & No enforcement of parking restrictions National Trust land; attractive landscape & Car Park has fixed ‘All Day’ fee [£4] nature areas No short stay parking so some visitors put Visitor facilities Pub, Car Park, ice cream kiosk & off/frustrated & insufficient parking at peak times toilets close to beach Car park liable to flooding Good quality pub Car park closes at sunset and is not open until Safe off road parking 9:30 AM, controlled by covenant. Outside these Clean beach & water times; essentially no parking at Seatown after No night time light pollution on beach sunset in summer. Area protected from development; comparatively Access to beach is unclear and difficult in places; unspoilt no clear and effective signage; access over rock Popular fishing location armour dangerous Much used destination for all levels of education Facilities for disabled people are limited; notably Bridleway for pedestrians links Seatown with parking spaces & no safe access to beach Chideock. No bicycle storage racks Some signs have been upgraded more recently Off season facilities are limited Landowners engaged in discussion about Plethora of derelict, old & untidy and generally improvements unwelcoming signs Unsightly metal gates and chains Wall at edge of beach & supporting highway in need for maintenance and repair Bridleway to Chideock is not clear or well signed at Seatown end A dynamic environment & increased storminess and coastal erosion leading to uncertainty and difficulty in placing signs etc. in the visible locations …. No focal point Old/ out of date interpretation panels & safety signs, some not replaced since 2012/13 storms & lack of coordination. Some signs blank or missing Pedestrian safety is comprised/in danger at peak times Public toilets in need of improvement, better maintenance Potential pollution from sewage works Serious erosion of river banks; knotweed management issues Several projects that have been put forward in the past but have come to very little in reality 1 Opportunities Threats Potential to examine alternative access Absence of close partnership working by local route to caravan site stakeholders Potential to examine some form of park and Lack of consensus over ‘what needs to be done’ ride or park & walk system Unwillingness of parties to revisit old problems Potential to bid for future Coastal with a fresh look and find solutions, through Communities Fund money to implement compromise projects A more difficult national & local environment in More flexible and inviting parking which to find funding charges….short stay option In due course, absence of funds to implement Additional /overflow car park site provision projects, leading to disillusionment Signing on A35 to inform car parking A dynamic environment which is very exposed availability during the winter storms, which can result in Potential for pedestrian refuge alongside improvement works being destroyed. highway to seafront Higher frequency and greater intensity of storms Identify locations for improved passing resulting in severe damage places on Sea Hill Lane to A35 Concrete apron near beach breaks up due to New footways alongside Sea Hill Lane & storms Mill Lane River erosion causes retaining wall to collapse Improved turning space and road to subside Design high quality coordinated, up to date Pedestrian bridge destroyed by flood Interpretation and safety signs that are Sewage pumping station could become flooded engaging, interesting and informative Landowners’ willingness to engage and support Design improved access to beach for improvements to public access may change due public, including disabled people to external factors, with resulting lack of Design new signing scheme overall for cooperation. Seatown with clear messages Appearance of area deteriorates further with Good partner engagement resulting negative experience for visitors Music events & business opportunities Conflict between residents and visitor’s interest Improved facilities for education groups exacerbates Better on line information Increased congestion Improve/more/relocate WCs Increase in visitor numbers and pressure Improve management of access to beach becomes overwhelming for dogs Too much improvement spoils natural environment & character of Seatown Opposition to proposed improvements form public or designated authorities Funding inadequate to complete works Damage to sensitive areas if not sensitively managed Long term maintenance of improved assets as result of project not resolved…is it sustainable Wider area may benefit more than immediate businesses Any sea defence works need to respect World Heritage status of coastal/cliff edge 2 .