Major plans to change former wedding venue and children’s activity centre, East Dene, into a boutique well-being retreat, have been slammed by a heritage body.
Historic England says it has the potential to cause serious harm and has now made the Bonchurch pleasure grounds, developed in the 1830s and described as ‘integral’ and ‘remarkably intact’, as well as the parks and gardens, Grade II listed.
Plans for the house
The 1824-built house itself is Grade II* listed.
The plans would see the removal of old built-in bookshelves and the library’s fireplace, to create an en-suite bathroom, and Historic England fears this internal work has the potential to cause low-level harm.
It says planning documents ‘downplay’ the impact of the proposals and has joined those objecting to Wonder Wellbeing’s scheme, to turn the Tudor Gothic-style house into a twenty-bed hotel.
Objections to swimming pool and spa
There is a proposed swimming pool and spa, which Historic England objects to, and its letter says damage has already been caused to the grounds, due to neglect, as well as the earlier addition of an ‘inappropriate’ concrete slab and play equipment (not added by the current owner).
A gym pavilion and 16 holiday eco-lodges in the grounds are also planned.
HE: Tranquil and meandering woodlands would be spoiled
Historic England said the tranquil and meandering woodlands would be spoiled by the construction of the proposed lodges, which would be ‘highly visible’ from the coastal footpath.
In a letter to the Isle of Wight council, Historic England said it could not see how that could happen without ‘almost completely destroying’ the significance of the landscape, therefore ‘causing substantial harm’.
However, it welcomed proposals to find a new use for East Dene, parts of which have been neglected in recent years, to ensure the future of the estate as a whole.
It said it was keen to talk with to the owners, to find a suitable scheme.
View the plans
Comments on the application have closed, but you can view the plans on the Isle of Wight Council’s Website (22/02249/FUL and 22/02250/LBC) and read the Historic England letter in full.
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
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