Two family villas overlooking the Solent could be built on an Isle of Wight seafront.
Hamlet Court Regeneration Ltd have submitted a proposal to the Isle of Wight Council to redevelop Hamlet Court, on Cowes Esplanade.
If approved, each villa would have a lower ground floor, a ground floor and a first floor complete with studies, utility rooms, bathrooms, living room and dining rooms. Proposed plans include gardens looking out onto the Esplanade and Solent.
Demolition previously refused
Part of the application involves a demolition of the existing building on the site next to Queen’s Road.
Demolition was refused by the Planning Inspectorate in February 2024.
The Planning Inspectorate said the complete loss of Hamlet Court, which is described as a waterfront villa, would be harmful to the conservation area.
In a state of disrepair
The current plot, nestled between Lantern House and Vantage Point, is in a state of disrepair and has been altered in a series of iterations dating back to 1832, according to the planning application’s Design and Access Statement.
“The insertion of the concrete stairs in the 1950s have contributed to significant internal and external structural distress,” the document states.
Hamlet Court Regeneration Ltd’s submission also notes the current application is the latest in a series of attempts to develop Hamlet Court over a number of years.
Cowes Conservation Area
The site is within Cowes Conservation Area, but is not seen as having special architectural or historic interest by historic environment public body Historic England, the document adds.
In a section entitled ‘The Need for Development’, the statement reads,
“The building is now beyond the point of repair and in its current state detracts from the character of the conservation area.
“A number of consultancies have conducted structural appraisals and have each separately concluded the building is unstable and, due to ground conditions, stability will worsen over the coming years.
“In addition, there are issues with damp, weatherproofing, unstable flooring and collapsed ceilings.
“The building is uninhabited. Redevelopment is necessary and overdue.”
Neighbours support the plans
Vantage Point residents Roger and Sheila Bradley said,
“We wish to approve the above planning application for Hamlet Court, Queens Road, Cowes – the current building is in total decrepitude, and it must be replaced immediately for obvious reasons.
“Cowes is a very popular and special town, both for tourists and local people.
“Rebuilding of Hamlet Court is long overdue. This recent design is more appropriate, as it is of similar design to the existing one.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/01427/FUL).
The public consultation runs until Friday 25th October 2024.
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
