VB reader and Ventnor resident, Beryl Stewart, feels very strongly about the proposed Mill Bay development in Ventnor. Today is the last day for public comments, so if you have something to say pop over to the planning Website to leave your comment. Ed
I strongly oppose the current planning applications for the Mill Bay, Ventnor.
The IW Council Planning Committee must not permit another overdeveloped, out of character, stagnant zone of holiday homes, occupied or not, in the Conservation Area of Ventnor’s seafront.
Ventnor seaside and esplanade depends on the tourist trade and another overdeveloped congested 5 storey building of flats alongside the oversized “Metropole” would do nothing to enhance the Esplanade or encourage tourists or trade.
Open space is valuable
The plans to demolish and rebuild on what is now a pleasant, open space at the existing Mill Bay conservatory/restaurant for visitors, holiday makers and locals to enjoy, would detract from the charm and holiday spirit that the Isle of Wight proudly boasts of and is a part of the Ventnor seafront that attracts visitors from all walks of life and worldwide.
The cafes, shops, pubs and esplanade is what attracts tourists and holidaymakers, not another sterile multi-storey block of flats with a target market of the privileged who do little to support Ventnor’s local economy when they visit their second and/or holiday homes.
Detracts family appeal
The additional expansion alongside the 5 storey building to include more private flats serves only to further detract from the family seaside Victorian character of Ventnor and add to the existing parking congestion on the seafront.
Land stability of the site and surrounding homes should not be interfered with.
Subsidence
The cliff behind the Mill Bay leading up to Hambrough Road suffered subsidence in 1994/1995 which led to major works carried out by Pritchard Wilmott, Newport and Ventnor Botanic Gardens. The surrounding areas, leading up to the Kingsview flats is of a very sensitive, if not questionable, stability.
Protected wildlife
The base of the cliff, and the area behind the Mill Bay is a wooded area that leads up the cliff from Marine Parade to Belgrave Road, Church Street and Hambrough Road’s private residences, and is a natural haven for protected wildlife. Dr. Colin Pope is aware of the protected wildlife in this area.
Vista should be protected
The unique terraced vista of Ventnor Bay from the seafront to Upper Ventnor and its magic that charms all who can view the general scenery must be considered.
The approach from Upper Ventnor etc, has already been changed too much by the Metropole, and the Kingsview/Rex. What was once viewed from Ocean View Road (the bandstand/waterworks) is now blocked by the Metropole.
Individual business and home owners in the area and who support the local shops and economy must have their hard earned investment in their homes and their quality of life protected by the Ventnor and IW Councils.
Under the shadow of new buildings
Loss of natural light and privacy for residents on Marine Parade and surrounding areas must also be considered.
Their general outlook and scenery must not be further blighted by an additional multi-storey block alongside the new overdeveloped Metropole (built higher than the former demolished Metropole hotel).
Building new is not necessarily better
More congested, out of character sterile buildings on the seafront would not be for the betterment of Ventnor and it must not be for the benefit and selfish motives of speculators, developers and unmitigated greed.
The Isle Of Wight Planning Committee must stand by their mission statement – “Protecting and enhancing the natural, built and historic environment of the Isle of Wight.” – and as they did in 2007, they must not permit this new or revised planning application for the Mill Bay project.
Beryl Stewart
