The planning application to demolish Ryde Pier Cafe and adjoining public toilets was considered by the Planning Committee tonight (Tuesday).
Ward councillor, Cllr Phil Jordan (Alliance), spoke enthusiastically in favour of the plans, which are being brought forward as part of the multi-million pound Ryde Interchange project.
Price: Why this and not the rest?
Cllr Matthew Price (Con) questioned why this application was coming to them ahead of the rest of the project, which includes a revision to the highway layout, bus station and upgrades to the train station.
Ollie Boulter, the Strategic Manager Planning and Infrastructure Delivery, explained that separate applications will come forward at the appropriate time, adding that this application was subject to a specific time frame.
Jordan: Scheme must be completed by March 2023
Cllr Jordan explained that the entire Ryde Interchange scheme had to be completed by March 2023, but that the Department for Transport (who are funding the scheme) had acknowledged there may be slight slip of between 3-6 months on final delivery.
Station toilets always included in the scheme
The Cabinet member for Transport and Infrastructure also explained that the public toilets being relocated in the station had always been part of the scheme and the idea raised by members of the committee that there was some uncertainty over this point was not true.
He added the Isle of Wight Council is designing and delivering the station project and will be delivering the toilets in the station.
Churchman: Concerned about temporary loos
Prior to this Cllr Vanessa Churchman (Con) had raised concerns about the temporary toilet facilities, asking where they would be and for how long. She said that without a planning application from South Western Railways (SWR) it could be possible that temporary toilets were still in use in three year’s time.
It was explained that temporary toilets would be positioned to the left of large tree in Western Gardens until the new ones were completed in the train station.
Price: Not enough information
Cllr Price said that although he was voting in favour of the plans, he felt they had not been given enough information, and was concerned about what would happen if the rest of the project does not go ahead.
Chairman, Cllr Michael Lilley (Alliance) explained that the funding from Government stipulated that there had to be delivery of toilets and a cafe in the station, otherwise money would have to be repaid and all parties had agreed to this.
Quirk: A positive project
Cllr Quirk told members that this was a very positive project, adding that the Council would not be able to force other parties to carry out their work to IWC’s schedule.
He said the plans from SWR had included toilets for the last three years and that it is tied in with the funding from Government, which all parties want.
“We risk losing a magnificent improvement to the gateway.
“It’s lunacy to turn it down.”
Members voted in favour of the application, with one councillor voting against (Cllr Churchman).
