Public views are being sought about the future of Sandsfoot Castle.

Key stakeholders and specialists are coming together tomorrow, Wednesday 7 September, to discuss future options for Sandsfoot Castle.

Dorset Council, which owns the castle, will meet with representatives from Historic England, Weymouth Town Council, Natural England the Jurassic Coast Trust to discuss the options available to help preserve the castle.

The Scheduled Monument, was added to Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ Register in November 2021, as it continued to deteriorate. In January 2021, the council fenced the castle off to the public after cracks appeared on its walls, and health and safety concerns were raised.

A structural survey has been undertaken by Historic England and a feasibility study is being carried out by consultants Aecom, who have produced a list of options to discuss with stakeholders on Friday.

The list of options to manage coastal erosion that threatens the castle, range from doing nothing to implementing high-cost cliff stabilisation work including drainage to help stop the cliff from further erosion.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Assets and Property, said: “It’s important that we are discussing the options for the castle this week with our stakeholders. Their views and direction will help inform the next steps. We must be mindful that while the castle is a scheduled monument and much-loved local landmark, it does sit at the top of a very unstable cliff, which is rapidly eroding.

“Significant defence works would have the most impact on the Jurassic Coast, have the highest carbon footprint and be the most expensive option but would deliver the best long-term stability to the castle. At the other end of the scale, we could make no intervention. This would have lowest environmental impact and cost but would eventually result in the loss of this Scheduled Monument.

“I would like to ask the people of Dorset what would they like to see happen with the castle. Do we let it succumb to the elements, do we spend lots of money stabilising the cliffs to stop it falling into the sea, or should we try and find a middle ground which will do both?”

Known historically as Weymouth Castle, Sandsfoot was an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII in 1539 to protect the shores from foreign invaders. Weymouth Corporation purchased the ruins in 1902 for £150.

If you have a view on what you think the council should do to protect the castle, or not, please email property.helpdesk@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 30 September.