Langstone Seawall and Havant Footpath 56
Hampshire County Council wishes to provide a clear and factual update regarding the condition of the former seawall at Langstone and the Council’s role in maintaining public access along Havant Footpath 56.
Hampshire County Council’s statutory responsibility in this location relates solely to the public right of way along Havant Footpath 56. The Council is responsible for maintaining the surface of the footpath, but it has no legal responsibility for the seawall or any supporting sub structure beneath it. The seawall lies on unregistered land, and no landowner or partner organisation has accepted responsibility for its maintenance or replacement.
As the Highway Authority, the Council must ensure the public can safely use the public right of way where reasonably practicable. Although there is no national policy setting out how highway authorities should respond where coastal erosion affects public rights of way, in situations such as this the County Council looks to realign (“roll back”) a route to a viable inland alternative where this is feasible and appropriate, this is line with the approach taken with the King Charles III England Coast Path. However, due to the very high level of public concern about losing shoreline access at Langstone, partner organisations collectively explored alternative options.
This collaborative work resulted in a shared commitment formally recorded in the Statement of Common Ground (January 2024) between Havant Borough Council, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Coastal Partners, and Hampshire County Council. The parties agreed to install a temporary footbridge on the current alignment of Havant Footpath 56 to maintain continuity of public access. The Statement of Common Ground also confirms support for maintaining the remaining length of seawall around the Mill Pond.
The relevant parties have attended meetings with the local community and delivered a well-attended public exhibition, which included artists’ impressions illustrating the proposed bridge design. The design and installation of the bridge is a product of this engagement and will maintain the public’s right of way along the existing alignment of the public footpath.
Hampshire County Council, in line with its Public Sector Equality Duty, always considers the least restrictive option where possible. The bridge has been designed to a width consistent with Countryside Services’ design standards for pedestrian bridges and takes into account industry best practice. Its short length and clear sight lines allow users to easily judge when to cross, and the width provided meets the minimum recommended standard for wheelchair access.
As well as maintaining public access and enjoyment of a route along the coastline, the bridge has been designed to enhance the natural beauty of the National Landscape. The installation of the bridge will result in the removal of a section of the tarmac path and will be constructed out of timber which is in keeping with the surrounding rural environment and its natural beauty, including the two timber bridges already located on this path and
16th February 2026