A plot of seafront land that has lain derelict for decades will have two ‘traditional style’ semi-detached houses built on it.
Mark Lilly’s revised proposal for a new residential scheme at Ventnor Esplanade’s Le Veness site has been approved by the Isle of Wight Council as a ‘suitable solution’ for the disused site and ‘appropriate within the street scene’.
The proposed four-storey homes each have four bedrooms and a garage. Plan revisions relate to window positioning and size and privacy screens.
Stepped back across the upper floors
A Planning and Heritage Statement written by Rainey Petrie Architecture on behalf of Mr Lilly said,
“The proposals are for a pair of semi-detached dwellings, over four floors, with integral garages, and off-street parking.
“The building is stepped back across the upper floors, to reflect the profile of buildings either side of the site, which is a general feature along this stretch of the Esplanade.
“This stepping of the building helps to avoid compromising the privacy of properties either side, whilst trying to preserve views wherever possible.
“The site has planning consent, 19/01377/FUL, gained on 3rd November 2022, with the description: ‘Demolition of existing building; proposed block comprising four two-bed flats and one three-bed flat; formation of new vehicular access, parking and associated landscaping’.
“Development of 19/01377/FUL has remained on hold, largely attributed to the complex retaining wall requirements, the amount of excavation works, and number of landslip events that have recently occurred in the area of Ventnor.”
Objections to the plans
Prior to the proposal’s revision, planners received ten objecting letters, including from Ventnor Town Council (VTC).
They raised issues including land instability, overdevelopment, construction affecting local businesses, inadequate parking and biodiversity loss.
Supporting the plans
VTC went on to file a further comment seeing ‘no reason’ to oppose the revised bid.
Supporting the application, Ryde resident Michael Riley said,
“An attractive, well-designed, and long-overdue proposal for this derelict site, which fits in well with the neighbouring building heights and streetscape, as well as lifting the overall quality of architecture in the vicinity (which is generally at present of very poor quality).
“All local reservations can, in my opinion, be overcome through certain relevant conditions being imposed.”
IWC: A suitable solution for a previously developed site
The council’s decision report on approved application 25/00694/FUL said,
“The proposed building is a suitable solution for a previously developed site that has remained derelict and unused for a considerable time, and would be appropriate within the street scene and not harm the conservation area.”
It added 14 conditions to the approval to comply with planning policy and legislation and for site stability, environmental protection, ensuring the development has a ‘satisfactory’ appearance, preventing ‘annoyance and disturbance’ and the interests of the area’s amenities and conservation area.
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