A cliff wall in ‘perilous condition’ could be removed brick by brick to stop it damaging properties on Ventnor Esplanade.
The wall sits above properties on the Esplanade, behind the property Crow’s Nest on Hambrough Road.
Ownership unknown
However, no one knows who owns the wall — despite a public notice being published asking owners to come forward.
This confusion is said to have led to the lack of maintenance and subsequent deterioration over a number of years.
Unstable and in extremely poor condition
A letter to the applicants from Smart Surveyors, submitted as part of the planning documentation, says greenery heavily overgrows the wall and causes severe damage to the stone, but ultimately help keeps it standing.
Overall, the wall has partially fallen down already, but is in extremely poor condition and unstable, leading to the recommendation of the surveyors that it should be demolished.
Owner of Beachlands submitted the plans
The application is being submitted by Cowes-based developers Rotapoint who own Beachlands below the wall on the Esplanade.
The company has permission to demolish the building and replace it with four town houses.
Planning agent, Phil Salmon says the wall is in a dangerous state and a stability risk to Beachlands and other properties on the Esplanade, which would be significantly reduced should it be removed.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 22/01859/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 18th January.
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
Image: © Phil Salmon
