A proposal for three ‘affordable’ new flats at the site of a once popular Isle of Wight dessert shop has been refused.
Council planners turned down Mr K. Hang’s application for the construction of three self-contained homes at 21–22 High Street in Newport, a building that used to house Sweet Charlie’s which closed in 2023.
The three flats
The proposed flats have between one and three bedrooms, a kitchen and lounge area, a bathroom and a hallway.
Plans also include an en-suite bathroom in two of the units.
One of the flats would be installed on the building’s first floor which currently lies empty, with the others in other parts of the building.
Noise from commercial activity
In an email to County Hall’s planning department last month, the environmental health officer said,
“Considering the applicant has not satisfactorily demonstrated any potential occupiers would be satisfactorily protected from external commercial noise and that an acceptable level of amenity can be achieved, I must advise of my objection.”
Refusal
Among the council’s objections to the development, it states
“The proposed development would result in substandard residential units and poorly arranged accommodation for reason that they would lack sufficient amenity space and be subject to noise and disturbance from adjacent licensed premises and especially late-night entertainment venues, which would result in poor living conditions for the occupants.”
Affordable residential units
Statements submitted as part of Mr Hang’s application said,
“This proposal will provide three additional affordable residential units. The proposal will create those additional dwellings without disturbing the adjoining properties.
“The site is located within the High Street and will have the benefit of convenient shopping. Public transport is directly adjacent giving an alternative to the use of a motor vehicle.
“This proposal will aid the Island in meeting the stipulated housing target as set out in the Island Plan.”
Support from local council
A spokesperson for Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) previously said,
“We note that it is a brownfield site and therefore support redevelopment as it will have no impact on loss of greenspaces or wildlife habitats.
“NCCC supports the mixed use of existing properties in the centre of town and encourage additional much needed housing.
“No parking provision is proposed or able to be proposed in this application, but we note that it is compliant with the recommendations of Island Roads.
“The design and appearance of the three proposed units seems to be in keeping with the existing frontages, although NCCC are concerned that the layout of the units – with bedrooms located on the busy street – could be improved.
“NCCC wish to support this application for additional housing but raise concerns about the impact on the quality of life for future residents due to the location in a busy nightlife area and are concerned about the layout of the units.”
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
