PEOPLE are backing plans to secure Swanage seafront – and want to keep an events field as part of the scheme.

That is the result of a consultation run over the summer, which garnered views on the Swanage Green Seafront Stabilisation and Enhancement Scheme.

The consultation, by Swanage Town Council, asked for views on two draft proposals for work to counter ‘significant ground movement and slope instability’ on the seafront.

The first, an ‘essential’ scheme, saw Sandpit Field retained as a large events field, while retaining current greenery and stone walls.

Option 1 features essential works only at Swanage seafront

A second, ‘enhanced’ scheme, was more far-reaching, including filling in and conversion of Walrond Road to create more green space, alongside enhancements to Sandpit Field and the creation of a second, smaller events field.

Option 2: A more comprehensive scheme revamping a larger area

A total of 468 people responded to the online survey, with 430 attending in-person events to discuss the plans.

“The survey results show that generally people are aware of the ground movement issue in the Green Seafront area, and 78% of respondents ‘definitely agreed’ that it will be important to stabilise the area to protect it for future generations,” a town council spokesperson said.

“Additionally, a range of improvements to the Green Seafront area were considered important by respondents, including significantly improved accessibility, and enhancement of the green spaces through increased planting.

“Crucially, retaining a large events field was viewed as the most important feature.”

The results showed 51.1% of respondents favoured the enhanced scheme, and 43.6% favoured the essential scheme, with the remainder selecting ‘don’t know’.

READ MORE: Have your say over ‘essential works’ to shore up Swanage seafront

More than 400 people turned out to in-person consultation events over Swanage seafront. Picture: Dorset Coast Forum

“Key feedback from the public included the need for more detail regarding certain elements of the scheme, such as construction timeframes, and how the works would be integrated with the wider management of traffic in the area,” the spokesperson added.

The council will now discuss the repsonses and use them to inform the final proposals, including financing options.

Mayor of Swanage, Cllr Tina Foster, said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation on the green seafront proposals, the Swanage community always responds well to public consultations, and we are very grateful for your input.

“We will continue to keep everyone updated and involved in the process as the project progresses.”

Findings of the public consultation will be formally received by councillors at a meeting on Monday (December 11). The council will feedback to residents early next year on plans going forward.