Only two years after a multi-million-pound redevelopment, a cafe on Totland Pier could be replaced by holiday rental rooms.
The pier — which dates back to 1880 — was restored in a major scheme; with the old cafe pulled down to make way for The Bay Cafe and a two-storey cafe and restaurant at the seaward end of the pier.
Put up for sale
Work was continuing on the restaurant building last summer, but The Bay Cafe was open for a season in 2021.
However, questions had been asked about the future of the cafe as it did not open last summer — and was put up for sale, along with the pier and restaurant, at the end of 2021.
Plans have now been submitted by Surrey-based developers Wooldridge Group, which could see the cafe’s doors shut for good.
Five short-stay holiday rental rooms
The cafe and kitchen space could be transformed into six short-stay holiday rental rooms, which planning agents on behalf of the developers LXA say, would have no adverse impact on the pier or public access.
It said it would improve the local economy by retaining visitors to Totland Bay and Pier for longer periods of time.
Pier would be open between 9am and 5pm
In a public access agreement, submitted along with the planning documents, the pier would be open between 9am and 5pm, with no cycling, roller skating, skateboarding allowed nor swimming or diving from the pier.
Fishing would only be allowed with the permission of the owner.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 22/02320/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register. The public consultation runs until 10th February.
Changes are also being proposed to the restaurant, in the hope to improve the internal layout, and include new entrance doors.
You can see those plans, 22/02319/ FUL, also on the council’s Website.
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
Image: © The Bay Cafe, Totland
