A planning application to turn the events hall at the back of the Better Days Cafe in Ventnor into a single residential dwelling is being disputed by those who currently use the space.
Ian Schaff, who owns the grade II listed Central Hotel Building, aims to convert the 70 square metres at the rear of the building into a one-bedroomed flat, extending the six HMO rooms, residential townhouse and cafe area he currently rents out at the premises.
Disputing information in application papers
However, opposition has arisen from those who run and use the Better Days Cafe, which sits at the front of the building.
The planning statement claims that the events hall at the rear is “unused” and that it “has remained unused since the current owners of the site took on the property”.
This is being disputed not only by the founder of the Better Days Cafe, but also others who use the hall for regular events, such as artist Jeremy Gully who delivers weekly art class in the space (as pictured below). He said,
“The statement at 2.6 in the Planning and Heritage Statement is untrue. I can confirm this as I voluntarily deliver weekly art class in the premise. I am aware of many other socially positive groups, talks and activities that also use the room”
He goes on to add,
“Whilst small residential units may normally be seen as a planning gain, in this case it would involve the loss of an existing vibrant and socially valuable use. I suggest that there would be a net loss – not the gain the applicant’s report suggests.”
Indeed, the photo below shows the hall being used for one of the many public meetings at the premises – a discussion about the future if the Ventnor Winter Gardens.
Ray: A community space dear in the hearts of all Ventnorians
Hannah Ray, director of New Carnival, said,
“This space is one of the few remaining community areas in ventnor. It is used frequently by all sorts of groups running classes, workshops and children’s parties, music gigs etc.
“Nearly everyone in Ventnor has benefitted in the past, and currently, from this space. When it was a pub it was used for music gigs and nights, local band The Bees played some of their first gigs there.
“I for one would hate to lose this community asset, we don’t have the Winter Gardens anymore. The Better Days Cafe have done an incredible job getting this building used for the community again.
“I know that this is privately owned, but it is a space which is held dear in the hearts of all Ventnorians, I want it to continue to be used by and for the community. Please do not get rid of another communal space around the town.”
Could be “forced to close”
The owner of the Better Days Cafe, Kirsty Chapman, said that if the plans were to go ahead, she may be forced to close the cafe,
“We feed hungry people and signpost to mental health services. Some of our staff are autistic and we accommodate them by keeping music low etc. So firstly I oppose the noise and disruption it will cause. I’ve worked hard for four years to set up a safe, warm space for people.
“Secondly the room is used for a guitar club once a week, and I’ve been looking for funding to make a Youth Hub with this room. The children have nowhere to go and this is ideal.
“The landlord is a business man, whereas I care deeply for our community. There’s no way, the building site next door (thin wall) won’t have an impact on my staff and customers. To the point that I will probably be forced to close.”
Many other groups also use the space, including the Better Days Singers run by Megan Long Mackney. She said,
“We have been meeting here for over a year and its a vital part of the community. I was asked to set it up as I have run community choirs for people who think they cant sing and also for people with any sort of health issue…singing in a group is a wonderful thing which instill confidence, and also has numerous health and psychological benefits. We want to continue this at the space.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (25/01358/FUL).
The public consultation runs until Wednesday 14th Jan 2026 and a decision is due by Tuesday 3rd Feb 2026.
Article edit
4.15pm 15th Dec 2025 – MLM comment added
