Plans for ‘much-needed’ toilet and shower facilities at a 19th century barracks have been criticised as ‘intrusive’ by an Isle of Wight councillor.
Karl Love, who represents East Cowes at County Hall, said Cowes Harbour Commission’s (CHC) application for renovation works at Victoria Barracks’s The Guardhouse on Albany Road falls ‘well below’ what is appropriate.
New extension
Submitted plans include internal and external alterations and an extension to the building, allowing for new shower rooms, WC facilities and wash-down areas.
The Guardhouse is an original part of the 1872 barracks, built to support the military contingent serving Queen Victoria and the Royal Family at Osborne House and Trinity Wharf, according to CHC’s agent, ERMC.
The consultants said the proposal will help keep up with the increasing demand for maritime and associated support facilities, with a new extension allowing for ablution facilities to ‘operate effectively’ and adequately serve boat users moored at East Cowes Marina.
Love: Proposed extension is out of character with the heritage values of the building
Councillor Love, who described the Guardhouse as a conservation area ‘jewel’, said,
“I am not against the guard building being used for amenities for the marina. I am concerned and object to the design, concept and structural build in this location.
“I do not support breaking through the frontage cast iron railings to create a new entrance to the guard buildings.
“It is impossible to even contemplate doing such a destructive thing, especially to a complete original Victorian feature of historic value where there is already in existence an original and natural entrance that can be reinstated, opposite the Columbine Building, without causing any damage to the historic assets.
“The proposed extension is out of character with the heritage values of the building. A flat roof on a building of heritage value is ugly, cheap looking and ridiculous.”
He added he was not against marina development, but it must come within the confines of heritage assets and community spaces.
“This is an appropriate, proportionate and well-justified intervention”
ERMC said,
“ERMC have been commissioned by Cowes Harbour Commission to submit a planning application for the new East Cowes Marina Development (145 berths), a proposed fixed walkway in the River Medina connecting to East Cowes and ablution facilities in The Guardhouse.
“This application is for the proposed ablution facilities, which includes the completion of the restoration of the Guardhouse as well as an addition allowing much-needed toilets and showers for the moored boat users.
“The proposed conversion of the Guardhouse into marina ancillary facilities, together with the addition of a circa 16m² side extension with a flat roof and parapet, represents a heritage-sensitive, conservation-led scheme.
“This is an appropriate, proportionate and well-justified intervention that preserves and enhances the heritage value of the Guardhouse.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (26/00220/FUL).
The public consultation runs until 7th April and a decision is due by 29th April 2026.
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
