A proposal to build a new seafront cafe on the site of a ‘half-built eyesore’ in an Isle of Wight village has divided opinion.
Hospitality business SE-View’s application for a cafe at Kingsmere on Land End Road in Bembridge is opposed by both Island Roads and Bembridge Parish Council despite 19 members of the public supporting the bid.
SE-View: This is a much compromised and reduced application
SE-View’s application form said,
“The proposed development would result in the construction of a replacement cafe within the application site.
“This is a much compromised and reduced application from the previous and subsequent pre-application advice; removing the kiosks and shops and reducing the building footprint.
“The current use of the site is a half-built cafe construction which was abandoned mid-build leaving an eyesore on the site.”
Fails to meet Neighbourhood Plan policies
Bembridge Parish Council said the application ‘fails to meet’ policies set out in the Bembridge Neighbourhood Plan while Island Roads listed three grounds of objection: inadequate parking provision, turning area and visibility.
The Highways service provider’s submission said,
“Insufficient information has been provided to determine if the displaced demand for car parking likely to be generated by the proposed development would have a significant impact on the surrounding highway network.
“The proposal does not safely accommodate service and delivery vehicles and will introduce additional hazards to users of the highway.
“The proposal does not have sufficient visibility to provide a safe and suitable access.”
Supporter of application
Bembridge resident Tony Adlam said,
“I strongly support this application. The current site is an eyesore and a blight on the landscape.
“The previous cafe was a well-loved and very popular attraction; a replacement such as this application outlines can only be for the benefit of all – residents, visitors alike.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/01663/FUL).
The public consultation runs until 14th February and a decision is scheduled by 10th March 2025.
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
