The conversion of an events room often used by a popular Isle of Wight community cafe has been refused after mounting opposition.
INCA Partner’s application for a change of use of a space to the rear of 64 High Street, once Ventnor’s Central Hotel, was rejected by planners who said it contains ‘insufficient evidence’ to justify the facility’s loss.
16 objections
A council decision report said 16 letters were received objecting to the bid, with concerns including the events room’s contribution to the vibrancy of the Better Days Cafe and a loss of viability resulting from the proposal, construction noise and a detrimental impact on a Grade II listed building.
The applicant’s agent, Phil Salmon Planning, previously said the owners want to continue investment in the building, ensuring its long-term maintenance.
Insufficient evidence to justify the loss of the events room
County Hall’s decision report said the application contains insufficient evidence to justify the loss of the events room as a social and community infrastructure facility.
It said,
“The application contains insufficient information for the local planning authority to fully assess the effects of the proposed development on the significance of heritage assets (the grade II listed building and Ventnor Conservation Area) and on the vitality and viability of Ventnor town centre.
“Without this information it is considered the proposal could result in alterations that would cause unjustified harm to the listed building and potentially conflict with the existing cafe use within the building to the detriment of town centre vitality and viability.
“The proposal would fail to provide a good level of amenity for future occupiers of the proposed residential unit due to poor levels of privacy and outlook.”
Planners also cited a lack of a planning obligation to secure a required affordable housing contribution.
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
