A former Isle of Wight chocolate shop building will once again be used for retail purposes following a council decision on Tuesday.
County Hall has given consent to Lesley Hall’s listed building consent and planning permission applications which seek to retain the Grade II listed Godshill cottage with 17th century origins for retail uses and convert its rear outbuildings into an owner’s residence with rooftop solar panels.
Conditional permission
A council report explaining the approval said the proposal was in line with the Isle of Wight and national planning policy frameworks and The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Its consent came with conditions: development is begun within a three-year period from the date of permission, works are carried out according to submitted plans, further details relating to windows, doors, solar panels, rainwater goods, wastewater equipment, cycle and refuse storage and privacy screening are provided and approved by the council.
These were justified on the basis of planning legislation and policies as well as the listed building’s special architectural and historic interest.
The document said,
“The proposal would involve the loss of the ancillary café and preparation/demonstration area, however the retail element would be retained which would benefit the economy and tourism in the area.
“With regard to the alterations proposed, these are mainly internal and relatively minor, solely within the rear two outbuildings, which are joined by internal doors.
“This would result in a two bedroomed owners’ accommodation unit, with minimal impact on the existing form or appearance of the outbuildings.
“Overall, there would be no harmful impact on the visual appearance of the Grade II Listed Building.
“The impact on the setting of the listed building and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area would be neutral.”
The cottage has a datestone labelled 1682 and changes were made to the building in the early 19th century and 20th century, according to Historic England’s Official List Entry.
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