A once-popular seafront bar in a ‘poor state of repair’ will be transformed into a four-bedroom house – but concerns have been raised.
The building previously known as The King’s House Bar, now called Wave House, is next to the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown on the Isle of Wight.
It was sold at auction for £351,017 in 2013.
Conversion to three-storey home
Isle of Wight Hotels Ltd has been granted planning consent to convert the ‘boarded up’ structure at 30 High Street into a three-storey home with a garden, looking onto the Esplanade.
The directors of Isle of Wight Hotels include Nick Spyker and Malcolm Moorman, according to Companies House.
‘Track record of neglect’
However, Sandown Town Council voiced concerns over the applicant’s ‘track record of neglect’ and urged County Hall to apply strict planning conditions and enforceable Section 215 notices ‘if and when appropriate to protect and enhance our town’.
A Section 215 notice requires an owner or occupier to address the the poor condition of a building.
Decision notice
County Hall’s decision report on application 25/00692/FUL said,
“The proposal would be for a four bedroomed dwelling, with all the habitable rooms having access to natural light.
“Due to the separation distances and surrounding uses, as well as the previous use as a drinking establishment, it is not considered that any neighbouring amenity would be harmed from this proposal for a dwelling.
“The loss of the community asset would not cause any adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, being
the sensitive conversion and bringing the property back into active use.”
Conditional permission
Ten conditions were attached to the consent for planning policy, visual appearance, conservation, privacy, highway safety and legal compliance reasons.
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
