Controversial plans to turn the historic Isle of Wight East Dene estate into an aparthotel are no more.
Proposals had been on the table since the end of last year to transform the currently empty Grade II* listed building in Bonchurch into first a wellness hotel and then an ‘aparthotel’ with six flats and a commercial kitchen.
A wave of objections
The schemes had been met by a wave of objections from nearby residents who said it was an ‘overdevelopment’ and raised road safety concerns.
Earlier this week, the Isle of Wight council updated its planning register to say the applications, 22/02249/FUL and 22/02250/LBC, had been withdrawn by Robert Camping, the man behind the plans.
No reason for the withdrawal has been given.
New plans failed to address concerns say residents
The revised plans were submitted in September after public concerns were raised, but residents said the new plans failed to address them.
Some said they understood a sympathetic restoration is needed for the preservation of East Dene and that any plans should complement its unique setting, not compromise it.
Bodies including Historic England, the Victorian Society and the Georgian Group have all opposed the development.
East Dene, built in 1824, used to be an Allnatt Children’s Activity Centre and wedding venue but closed in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid pandemic.
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
