What could eventually become a popular new Isle of Wight restaurant could be coming to a seafront, prompting the demolition of what has been dubbed a ‘half-built eyesore’, plans have revealed.
Seaview’s Old Fort owners are planning to open a new restaurant called The View, on what used to be The Lifeboat View Cafe.
Will Simonds and Justin Evelegh want to expand to Bembridge, on the now derelict site.
A ‘destination eatery’
In planning documents submitted to the Isle of Wight council, for what is hoped will become a ‘destination eatery’, planning agent ZAP Architecture said the ex-cafe site is in an ‘unattractive state of disrepair’.
Instead, a terrace of day beds is proposed and planning permission is being sought for a cafe, seaside shop and kiosks offering pizza, drinks and ice cream, along with staff accommodation, made up of three one-bed flats and a communal living area.
‘A sophisticated dining experience’
There would be seating indoors and out, over two floors and the proposed opening hours are 8am to 11pm on weekdays and 8am until midnight at the weekend.
ZAP Architecture says the plan is to revitalise the area for both locals and tourists and for what it calls ‘a sophisticated dining experience’ in a design that seemingly harmonises with its natural surroundings.
If approved, the aim is for The View to open in the summer.
1,000 objections against 2019 plan
A former cafe, adjacent to Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Station, was demolished five years ago.
There were nearly 1,000 objections against the 2019 plan, lodged by the site’s former owners, for a boathouse and house extension, with a site for a food van and beach kiosk.
The scheme was approved but, although building work started, it was later abandoned and the site was taken on by Will Simonds and Justin Evelegh earlier this year.
View the plans
View the plans, 23/01388/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 20th October 2023.
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
