Plans to turn a former Isle of Wight hotel into a house have been halted.
It comes as plans to demolish part of Ventnor Towers Hotel, on Madeira Road, and change it into a private residence were withdrawn from the Isle of Wight council’s consideration.
The move was made on Friday (19th January), although no reason has yet been given as to why.
Purchased in 2021
The plans were put forward by the hotel’s owner Paul Clark of HGE Limited, who bought the property at auction in 2021.
The sale did not meet the £700,000 guide price hoped for.
In planning documents submitted to the council, it had been said the property was still in very poor condition and in a state of decline.
Not operated as hotel for years
The hotel had been described on review websites as ‘Fawlty Towers meets the Overlook Hotel from the Shining’ and ‘mildly terrifying’.
The hotel has not operated for years.
Securing future of local landmark building
Allowing the change of use to residential, it was argued, would secure the future of the local landmark building.
The current condition of the 30-bed hotel means it would not be economically viable to re-open the hotel due to the extensive works and modernisation needed.
Instead, it was hoped it could be restored back to its original use as built-in 1872 as a house. It could have a gym, games room and at least six bedrooms.
Demolish modern additions
To make it one house, extensions built at various stages of the hotel’s popularity would be demolished.
One nearby resident objected to the plans as their property could become overlooked and impose on their privacy.
Strongly supported by VTC
Ventnor Town Council “strongly supported” the application, stating it would bring the building back to its original state and improve the visual amenity of the area.
The hotel used to be part of the Best Western chain.
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
