A bid to turn a Freshwater building into an office has been made following three failed attempts to convert the space in the face of ongoing opposition.
Callum Hill has sought to change a New Village site, described as a garage, into a work space which he expects would be used by architects, accountants, solicitors or as an artist studio.
Contributing towards “economic-led regeneration”
The site is just south of the former Star Inn in a residential area with detached and semi-detached homes, according to the proposal’s Planning Policy Supporting Statement authored by JKL Planning.
A conversion would contribute towards “economic-led regeneration” while having a “low key” use.
There would be no harmful impacts relating to “noise” or “odour disturbances” on neighbours.
Accusations against owner
Neighbour Andrew Barton said the building in question had ceased to be a garage and was instead being “advertised” as a “one bed apartment” on Airbnb.
He accused the owners of ignoring planning regulations and requirements and has provided photos of the space from the Airbnb website.
The resident said,
“I wish to add my objection to this ongoing saga with the former garage.
“We have two parking spaces at the rear of our property, that require access via the shared access to the garage.
“If more than one vehicle is parked at the garage, we cannot access our parking.
“The garage is accessed by ‘New Village’ which is a non-made up lane which already struggles with the current traffic.
“If you add in additional traffic for the proposed office it will cause additional wear and tear to the road.
“Who will cover this cost? As the local residents we recently funded repairs to the lane.”
Failed attempts
Previous applications to convert the building into a home have been rejected on the basis of unsatisfactory living conditions for future residents, poor quality design and incongruity with the local street scene.
View the plans
The public consultation runs until 8th November 2024.
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/01469/FUL).
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
