A contentious bid to redevelop a house in an Isle of Wight seaside village hit by a major landslide has been appealed following a council refusal earlier this year.
Hendrik Sabert lodged an appeal over a rejected application (24/01113/HOU) to renovate, extend and install roof-top solar panels on Beechcliff, Maples Drive, Bonchurch.
The proposals
His proposals included a first floor level extension above an existing garage, a glazed conservatory extension to the south of the property, new window openings and changes to existing ones and significantly improving the energy and environmental performance of the house including preparing an air source heat pump installation.
Other works listed were a replacement and extension of a balcony, new external stairs and sliding doors, general repair work, a detached greenhouse to the west of the building, installing roof-top solar panels, changes to a sea-facing terrace, drainage system improvements and replacing an existing cement tile terrace around Beechcliff’s swimming pool.
Reasons for refusal
Explaining its refusal on 24th September 2024, a council report said,
“The proposed first floor garage extension, as well as the proposed solar panels, would be likely to conflict with and have a detrimental impact on existing high amenity trees, adversely impacting the amenity, character and potentially also the health of these trees to the detriment of the amenity and character of the area.
“The proposed first floor extension would be unacceptable in terms of size, scale and design.
“The excessive footprint and flat roof design would result in an incongruous form of development which would appear stark and out of character with the application dwelling.
“It would appear overly dominant as viewed in the public realm.”
The Officer Written Justification added the development was incompatible with the Isle of Wight’s planning policy framework, the Island Plan Core Strategy, and the National Planning Policy Framework.
Ventnor Town Council also objected to the application,
“The committee feel that – in light of the recent landslip in Bonchurch – a more detailed geological study should be undertaken.
“The application is over-development of the site, with the number of windows adding to light pollution.”
At around 9.20pm on 10th December 2023, Leeson Road, Bonchurch saw 14 million cubic metres of material displaced in a landslip disaster described as the worst in living memory on the Island.
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
