We always welcome a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below. This from Steven Goodman. Ed
After reading last week’s report, I am inspired by those running Red Funnel and am now happy to help by working on yet another alternative scheme for the unloved East Cowes ferry terminal and on a second application, using the Red Funnel paired ‘in tandem’ approach.
Building up, not across
One application will be for permission to achieve the increase in vehicle capacity and the improvement to the Island gateway which Red Funnel say they want, by means of upward expansion on the existing marshalling yard area, which I am confident will meet with the approval of planners and others because it has the following advantages over the destructive Red Funnel plans A and B:
- It requires no unwelcome controversial adverse interference with the lives, land, businesses, jobs, and homes of others.
- It requires no unwelcome controversial compulsory purchases.
- It allows for the major improvement of an existing public realm eyesore, using good design attractive to residents, visitors, and nature by incorporating as much vertical and horizontal planting as the allocated funding from SLEP and RF will allow, and is therefore a genuine once in a lifetime ‘eyesore to icon’ opportunity.
- It does not promise any long term benefits which cannot be guaranteed.
Incredible edibles
The second application has more in common with the plan which Red Funnel’s bosses expected not to be thrown out and now apparently expect to be allowed on appeal; it incorporates the Red Funnel elements of aggressive land seizure and disregard for harm to existing jobs and business.
It is an application to improve East Cowes and the Island by using the present marshalling yards, which Red Funnel say they intend to stop using, to extend the currently insufficient area occupied by growing incredible edible fruit, nuts, herbs, and vegetables for everyone to share.
