New toilets have been given the go-ahead for one of the Isle of Wight’s most visited beaches.
The National Trust will now be able to build new, modern, accessible toilets at its Hanover Point car park, at Compton Bay after the Isle of Wight council granted permission last week.
Revisions made to overcome concerns
The plans had been in the making for nearly a year, but revisions were made last month to overcome some of the concerns raised.
It included reducing the size of the toilet block and storage building, on the Military Road, and removing the picnic benches.
IWC: A balanced approach
Isle of Wight council planning officers said the proposal now offers a balanced approach to improving the visitor experience as well as being mindful of the sensitive ecological and environmental designations and the slipping coastlines.
The new toilets would be slightly to the west of the current toilets so the facilities could be developed without having to close the existing ones.
The current facilities are said to be at the end of their maintainable life.
What to expect
The toilets would meet the needs of all people with a disability and include a fold-down changing bed, battery-operated mobile hoist and access to a warm wash-down space.
Improvement works to the car park have also been approved which would reconfigure the layout to utilise spaces more effectively, provide disabled spaces and pedestrian links across the site.
Height restriction barriers will also be installed to prevent larger vehicles from using the car park and any overnight parking.
Permission was granted, but subject to 11 conditions including the existing block must be demolished within three months of the first use of the replacement facilities.
Modular design allows relocation
The new toilet blocks would be a modular design so it can be dismantled and moved easily when it is necessary due to coastal erosion, having a limited impact on the ground and no trace when removed.
Planning agents, ERMC have said it is thought the land on which the car park and the toilets currently sit will have vanished in 25 years, due to coastal erosion.
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
