The Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee will be considering an application next week for the demolition of Ryde Pier Cafe and adjoining Public Toilets.
Planning officers have recommended ‘Conditional Permission’ for the application, which forms part of the Ryde Interchange plans, and will see the highway layout in the vicinity revised.
Protection for overwintering birds
The Council’s ecology officer says measures should be secured to ensure no harm to overwintering birds (October to March) occurs in relation to the demolition.
The Ryde Town Council have no objection, so long as heritage items are protected and reused, that an Environmental Management Plan is in place and a Habitat Regulation Assessment is carried out.
Continuity of service
They also call for a continuity of service and that the new facilities (due to be in the train station) should be at least equal in terms of size and accessibility and would be open for the same period during the day as the existing toilets.
Two public objections
Comments were received from two local residents who have objected with the following concerns,
- Existing toilets should not be demolished as they are used all year round and necessary in this area.
- Demolition not justified – no high-quality replacement proposed.
- Demolition without replicated provision would be discriminatory to the elderly, disabled, outdoor workers and homeless, and temporary portaloos may not be suitable for the elderly, infirm or parents of young children.
- Decline of public toilets a threat to health, mobility and equality.
- Seafront would be vandalised by removal of café/toilets.
- Effect on character of the conservation area – social space with civic facilities in good condition to serve the demand(s) of the area, loss of green “breathing space” and leisure seating for town would not be an enhancement.
“Benefits outweigh the harm”
Planning officers say,
Demolition of the building would not only provide an opportunity to reimagine the pier entrance and highway arrangement in this area, but it would also remove the interruption caused by the existing building to the clear views across Western Gardens/the esplanade towards the Solent and pier.
Whilst it is appreciated that there is some positive benefit to the building in that it affords screening of the train station and directs views seaward.
In their conclusion, officers state that any harm to the Ryde Conservation Area is outweighed by the public benefits of the wider Ryde Interchange Project.
Find out more
The full report can be read on the Council’s Website.
The Planning Committee meeting takes place on Tuesday 1st March from 4pm at County Hall.
