Over 600 residents in Bembridge voted for the parish council to not sell the asset, but the councillors say they need the income from the sale to repair and renovate other parish owned businesses.
The councillor says the recent one-star food hygiene inspection of his business has been met with ‘a barrage of hate messages and threats of violence via social media and email’
Those signing the petition say they are not against the re-development of the Priory Bay Hotel, simply the 'over-development' and fear work in the woods will have a detrimental impact on wildlife and the stability of the landscape.
During the Coronavirus lockdown, no site notices will be put up by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning officers but the neighbours will be informed and plans available online from 24th April
Cllr Robertson said he hopes the "mainland based applicants understand the strength of local feeling and seek more appropriate opportunities elsewhere"