A retired Isle of Wight architect representing the Solent Protection Society (SPS) has denounced the Fort Victoria development proposal as “arguably one of the worst” he has seen in ten years.
Speaking at a public inquiry starting yesterday (Tuesday) into the application being appealed by developers Miles Blamire for a mixed use development of, and next to, Fort Victoria Pier, Michael Rainey labelled the proposal unsustainable and “sincerely hoped” it would not be approved.
Rainey: Resisted development that impacts tree-dominated landscape of the seashore
Mr Rainey is known for designs including St Lawrence’s Haddon Lake House and the Brading Roman Villa Visitor Centre, as well as the Island architectural practice, Rainey Petrie Architecture.
The honorary treasurer of the SPS said,
“Throughout its existence, the SPS has sought to safeguard the landscape character of the shoreline, particularly outside settlement boundaries and particularly on both sides of the west of the Solent where incremental development has the potential to lead to a cumulative adverse effect – and we’ve seen this on the New Forest side, for example.
“We have resisted or sought to mitigate any development that impacts the essentially tree-dominated landscape of the seashore.”
A variety of objections
The SPS’s specific objections include the proposal’s damaging impact on views towards and from Fort Victoria, light pollution from its five houses and a lack of consideration over its effect on the sea itself.
Other criticisms include the pier losing historic value, added sewage pollution and obstruction of the England Coastal Path as a result of the proposed development.
Rejuvenating Fort Victoria Pier
The application by Miles Blamire is for five residential properties, a commercial fisheries pier, retail space and a “sea-to-fork” eatery.
The proposal’s Design and Access Statement has said development would “rejuvenate” Fort Victoria Pier and encourage seafood tourism on Britain’s coast, described as a “proven model”.
Exponential developments
Economic development benefits have been touted as “exponential”, including “skilled and vocational” jobs, generated food provenance and investment in the Island economy.
The application was refused planning permission in December 2023 and has been met with major resistance from the public.
Other concerns
Justifications for the refusal overlap with the SPS’s arguments and include a lack of sustainability, harmful effects on the area’s character, insufficient detail on the development’s commercial uses and ecological concerns.
The hearing continues.
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
