Two ‘unsafe and unsightly’ houses on an Isle of Wight thoroughfare will be demolished following a fatal fire.
Council officers have approved Joanne Still’s proposed demolition of two ‘significantly fire-damaged buildings’ – 54 and 56 New Road in Brading – and the construction of a replacement property.
Fatal house fire
On 1st December 2023, a fire started at No. 56 which it went on to ‘completely’ destroy the home before spreading next-door, according to the Andrew White Planning Consultancy.
The blaze resulted in the death of 60-year-old John Kent, the owner of No. 56.
Plans for new property
Ms Still, who owns part of No. 54, has sought to redevelop the property with a two-storey house.
It would comprise a kitchen, dining room, lounge, hallway, utility room, two WCs, three bedrooms and a bathroom.
The consultancy said,
“This application will see the demolition of the buildings which will be an immediate improvement to the visual amenities of the area.
“The future development of the neighbouring site (No. 56) remains uncertain as the elderly owner tragically died in the fire and the property was not insured.
“However, it is necessary to demolish the entire pair for safety reasons and to enable the redevelopment of No. 54.
“The development proposed is able to demonstrate a design which is completely compatible with the character and appearance of its surroundings, visually attractive and has no adverse impacts on the amenities of the neighbouring residential uses or highway considerations.”
County Hall has not yet published a report on its decision.
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
