A controversial proposal to convert an events room used by an Isle of Wight community cafe into a flat is going to appeal.
An application for a change of use of a space to the rear of 64 High Street, Ventnor, formerly the Central Hotel, was previously rejected by the Isle of Wight Council.
They said it contained ‘insufficient evidence’ to justify the loss of the facility, which is connected to the Better Days Cafe.
Closure of Cafe
However, this week, the cafe announced it would be closing in February 2027, after its owner took the decision to not renew the lease on the building.
Why the scheme was turned down
Other reasons for the application’s refusal included the scheme’s failure to provide a good level of amenity for future occupiers of the proposed one-bedroom flat and the lack of a legal agreement for an affordable housing contribution.
Applicant says historic building needs viable use
An Appeal Statement from Phil Salmon Planning says the proposal seeks to deliver a ‘modest’ but ‘high-quality’ residential unit, contributing toward ‘acute’ housing need on the Island while ensuring the long-term viable use of an historic building.
16 objections
County Hall previously received 16 objections with concerns such as the events room’s contribution to the vibrancy of the Better Days Cafe and a loss of viability from the plan, construction noise and a detrimental effect on the Grade II listed structure.
Missing evidence, not harm, behind refusal, says agent
Phil Salmon Planning claim the refusal is not based on unacceptable impacts but on a lack of submitted evidence which it said can be addressed.
Room isn’t a protected community asset, agent argues
In addition, the consultancy says a signed legal agreement is being submitted with the appeal.
The Appeal Statement says,
“The objections do not provide evidence of any lease, licence, insurance arrangement, owner-authorised operational framework, or planning designation that would elevate the room from privately owned ancillary space into a policy-protected community asset.
“The planning application was for the conversion of the rear room only. It was not an application to close or remove the cafe use.”
Phil Salmon Planning also claims there are numerous ‘more formalised community spaces’ which are available for hire or use in the Ventnor area.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
