The application to develop the site of the Mill Bay public house on Ventnor’s seafront was discussed at Planning Committee last night.
The officers had suggested a split decision on the application, with a recommendation for approval of the alterations and extension to the pub and construction of a terrace of three town houses.
Officers advised the planning committee to reject the four storey tower at the west of the development.
When the plans were first released, attracting huge objection to the tower, the applicant had stated that the height and design of the tower had been insisted upon by the planning officers. Chris Moritmer told the County Press,
“The height and the contemporary design of the tower at the western end of the site was suggested, if not insisted upon, by these officers …”
However, upon investigation by VB, this was refuted by the planning department who told us,
“We have never insisted on contemporary design or that the end block had to be a specific height.”
That was backed up by their reasons for refusal of the tower at yesterday’s meeting,
The design of the proposed building to provide a retail unit with three flats above by virtue of its bland and featureless elevational treatment, lack of detailing and proposed materials would constitute an incongruous and visually intrusive feature within the street scene which fails to protect or enhance the appearance and character of Ventnor Conservation Area.
In consequence the proposal is contrary to Policies G4 (General locational criteria) and D1 (Standards of design) of the Isle of Wight Unitary Development Plan and Government advice contained within PPS5; Planning and the Historic Environment.
The officer’s recommendations were approved by the planning committee, meaning the applicants have five years from the date of the permission to begin work on the development.
