Plans for a new Isle of Wight seaside cafe and restaurant have split residents’ opinions — with some claiming the new proposals are ‘over the top’ while others say it would be a boost for the economy.
A half-built eyesore on the former home of the Lifeboat View Cafe could be demolished under proposals put forward by Seaview’s Old Fort owners, Will Simonds and Justin Evelegh.
A ‘destination eatery’
The View restaurant could become a ‘destination eatery’, with a seaside shop, terrace of day beds, and pizza, drink and ice cream kiosks.
The plans have caused concern for some but were celebrated by others.
More in favour than against
The Isle of Wight council has received more than 110 comments from residents and visitors, with 60 in favour and 50 against.
One commenter said,
“This proposal is very exciting, not only is it aesthetically appealing, it’s important that it remains an eating and drinking site for Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy.”
Another said it was an opportunity to put Lane End Beach firmly back on the map and help draw back tourism, while modernising the seafront and providing a ‘much-needed boost’ to local aesthetics.
Objectors: ‘Over the top’ and ‘far too large’
On the other side, objectors are saying while it is nice to see something done with the eyesore the current plans are ‘over the top’ and ‘far too large’, with the potential to dwarf the nearby beach huts.
Neighbours of the site said their quality of life would be negatively affected by the size and scale of the development and the disturbance caused by the day-to-day business ‘would be intolerable’.
RNLI objection
The RNLI has also objected to the plans saying it would lead to increased traffic using Lane End Road and demand for parking spaces, hampering the lifeboat crew’s efforts to get to the station quickly.
It said it is ‘extremely concerned’ that during the peak season, without proper segregation, the access road to the lifeboat station would be congested, and hamper crew arriving which could delay a lifeboat launching and in an emergency situation, ‘could present a legitimate risk to life’.
View the plans
The official consultation period on the application has closed, but comments can still be made to the Isle of Wight council.
View the plans, 23/01388/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
If planning permission is approved, the aim is for The View is to open in the summer.
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
