Major redevelopment plans for a quaint Isle of Wight seafront have been slated as being ‘intrusive’.
The Isle of Wight council delivered a heavy blow to those behind the proposals by refusing plans for The View cafe and restaurant in Bembridge last Friday.
The plans had been put forward by Seaview’s Old Fort owners, Will Simonds and Justin Evelegh.
IWC: “Out of scale and context with its seafront surrounding”
Planning officers felt the proposals — which would provide a ‘destination eatery’ in the town as well as tidy up a ‘half-built eyesore’ — would be “out of scale and context with its seafront surrounding” and “be an over-dominant and intrusive development.”
The proposals would have created two floors of indoor dining space, with outdoor terraces, three en-suite bedrooms and living spaces for staff accommodation as well as pizza, drink and ice cream kiosks.
Considerable support
The council did note the plans had considerable support — with 72 letters being submitted in favour — and represent an investment in the town’s tourism offer but overall said the benefits would not outweigh the harm the development would cause.
This was because of the excessive depth, size and scale and the “overbearing” adverse impact it would have on neighbours.
IWC: An “intrusive feature in the landscape”
The officers said the building with its unusual design features, elevated terrace and extensive glazing would be an “intrusive feature in the landscape”, appearing over large and not in keeping with its surroundings.
The plans had split public opinion with 47 letters of objection submitted, including from the next-door RNLI station which raised concerns about delays to launches due to congestion along Lane End Road.
Insufficient parking
Planning officers also said the proposals do not provide sufficient parking, as policy dictates it should have at least 45 spaces which cannot be provided.
With such a shortfall in parking, an assessment was needed, officers said, which has not been provided in the planning documents.
Rejected on five grounds
The Isle of Wight council rejected it on five grounds, which included a lack of information about the ecology and drainage and raised road safety concerns about vehicles entering and exiting the site.
The refusal can be appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, if the applicant so wishes.
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
