A partially constructed building in an Isle of Wight coastal village could be transformed into a newly built cafe.
Hospitality business and owner of Seaview’s The Old Fort SE-View has submitted a planning application to County Hall to build a seafront cafe at Kingsmere on Lane End Road in Bembridge.
Revised plans
Plans also include an outside seating area, parking spaces for cars and motorcycles as well as bin and bike storage.
The current vacant site historically had a ‘cafe and residential mix-use’, an application form said.
It states,
“The proposed development would result in the construction of a replacement cafe within the application site.
“This is a much compromised and reduced application from the previous and subsequent pre-application advice; removing the kiosks and shops and reducing the building footprint.
“The site has historically incorporated a cafe which was subsequently demolished following planning permission for a replacement structure.
“It is considered that given the established use of the site and that the proposed cafe would provide tourist related facilities within a prominent location in Bembridge, the principle of development would be acceptable.
“The current use of the site is a half-built cafe construction which was abandoned mid-build leaving an eyesore on the site.”
The document added the current site is the source of ‘much local debate and disapproval’ and would be demolished as part of the proposals.
New jobs
Ten full-time employees and ten working part-time would work at the premises which would be called ‘The View’.
Hours of opening included in the application are from Monday to Sunday between 8am and 11pm, including bank holidays.
Previous plans refused
In November 2023, plans put forward by The Old Fort’s owners for a cafe and restaurant, also named The View, at the Lane End site were refused by the Isle of Wight council.
Council planners labelled the proposals ‘out of scale and context’, ‘over-dominant’ and ‘intrusive’.
While having significant support with 72 letters sent in favour of development, the scheme also attracted 47 letters of objection, including from the next-door RNLI station.
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (24/01663/FUL).
The public consultation runs until 14th February and a decision is expected on 10th March.
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
