The IWC Planning Committee are considering an application to build a new Waitrose supermarket in East Cowes.
Live report from County Hall provided to the best of our ability.
[16:06] Area of East Cowes Superstore outlined on the map on the screen. Superstore, 200 space car park. New town square and landscaping. Car park accessible via Castle Street
Photos of area being shown. Broadly, it’s the block behind Venture Quays. Part of the site reserved for future development. 18,000 sq ft of shop
Waitrose has now been mentioned instead of ‘Superstore’. Buff brick construction with sheet aluminum roof. Impact on the Conservation Area one item to be discussed.
Forms part of the Master plan for East Cowes. Brown field site
Current application a little bit bigger than original. Building outside on Conservation Area, but as it’s close, Conservation team have been brought in to give their view.
As it’s a Gateway to the Island, design is important. Some artwork would be on the walls.
Overall – scheme is deemed as acceptable. Delivery hours are subject to a consent.
Highway changes would be delivered during the development of the new housing. Well Road car park – to offset loss, temp 53 car park has been requested (but not determined)
Asking for Well Road car park to stay open during construction. Will close in last month of development, while the new town sq is constructed.
Tree officer says current trees are of “low value” and doesn’t mind if they’re lost.
Officer propose that it is approved.
[16:23] Public speaking: Sarah Dover
Concern of impact of vehicles and construction vehicles. Request that IWC listen to the residents. If so, they will have no objection.
Now Peter Geach. Speaking about concerns about Old Road, and traffic. Windows need to kept close in summer due to dust kicked up by traffic.
They had a massive 3 minutes between them to talk.
Cllr Barton
Town council embrace this development. Concerned at the lack of progress on highway development. 200 cars per hour go through in the summer. Hoped for a design less industrial. Roof material should be different.
We’ve been very patient and request that we are treated as a serious provider of information.
Kimberly Development representative
Only registered to answer objectors prior comment. We will ensure that Old Road isn’t used for development traffic.
Highway issues are out side their control.
Cllr Webster (local member)
Welcome this, but not at any cost.
Think that traffic action plan was for 2005 and this is now out of date.
This is still being used by SEEDA. Old road must not be used by construction vehicle – and must be covered when on the road.
Don’t want the tin roof; more art work please. The car park should be usable by all, even if nothing is bought at the store. Original application was phased, but now this has been dropped.
Detailed landscaping should be shared soon with local council. Trolleys should be secured and welcomes CCTV.
Please remember we are a one road in, one road out area.
Members on Planning Committee questioning now.
Cllr Jones-Evans
Generally welcome, but are concerned about the design. This is a gateway, do we want to show them an industrial building. Industrial is out of character. Doesn’t enhance East Cowes. Can’t accept the design. More like Costcutters.
They wouldn’t put up with it in West Cowes, why should East Cowes?
Cllr Scoccia
Agree with Cllr Jones Evans. Can we have more details on the new town square?
Planner
Would be adopted by IWC once built. Square would have glazed windows over looking it.
Design: Point members to the Conservation team comments. They didn’t object. Design is a clear expression of the funcrion
Conditions: “palatable material” “Management scheme for the art work”. No artist impression of the Town square currently. Artwork could have local influence.
Mr Murphy (head of planning)
Materials are key. There is a lot of brickwork, but the design will have a direct control over this. Happy to have the TC helping with designs of the artwork.
Cllr Hollis
You said local bricks. Which brickworks are they coming from?
(Not existing on the Island)
Salt in air means specific bricks should be used, so they don’t look tired too quickly. The long brick wall give the impression that the building it turning its back on the town. Not taking part.
Concerned with what happens if trucks are waiting (ie more than one at a time).
Car park: Has there been a study into how the long term parking is being used? It’s so far away, people using is will stop going to the other shops.
Planner: Acknowledge there is no provision for waiting vehicle (trucks)
Compared to other big shops, it’s quite modest in size.
Another councillor (missed name) Also concerned about car park as well.
Planner: We’re swapping 53 spaces for 53 spaces. CCTV would be on be pointed at the shop car park.
Chair
Want to move to decision soon.
Cllr Jones-Evans
Roof has come up a lot. Can we ask for tiles instead of the tin roof?
Mr Murphy (head of planning)
Cannot put a slate or tile roof on the scheme as it is now. It would need to be redesigned.
Cllr Jones-Evans
Propose REJECTION of plan as it is, on design.
*No seconder*
Planner
Roof (aluminum) can be matt, or other finishes. Can be added as a condition.
Cllr Scoccia
Problem is that roof will be seen by the houses around, including the new development.
[17:02] Acceptance proposed and seconded
Cllr Scoccia
Want to make sure conditions are not made worse
Mr Murphy
You have to assume that the conditions are applied to by the planning officers.
Cllr Fuller
Not particularly happy with the roof of this and would feel uncomfortable about supporting it. Suggest adjourn for a few weeks to see roofing materials.
Mr Murphy
The design fits well with the scale and mass.
Town council would appreciate an answer today
Chair
Let’s move to the vote
7 in favour. 2 against. APPROVED
