A change of plans in the re-development of a holiday centre in St Lawrence has been welcomed by the local councillor.
A new site notice was added to the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register last week to mark the revised plans for the former St Rhadagund’s hotel, on Undercliff Drive — turning the six-holiday units into residential properties.
Objections from residents
Previously, the plans had been met with hostility from local residents of the village who had had problems with disruptive holiday lets and were concerned about the precedent those guests had set.
One local resident said it would ‘spoil the village completely’ and turn it into a ‘holiday village’.
Among objections was a feared increase in traffic, an overbearing presence for some neighbours on Spindlers Road and an impact on the wildlife.
The plans
The plans would see the main house split into two residential units and six three-bed houses built on land further up the hill from the main building, closer to Seven Sisters Road.
The six houses were set to be let as holiday rentals, by the applicant’s Turner Holiday Rentals, but are now proposed for residential use.
Homes for Island families
Some residents had previously expressed that if anything should be built, it should be houses for Island families, who would add to the community and pay more regard for people who already live there.
One objection submitted against the holiday use of the buildings said St Lawrence needed permanent housing and not more holiday lets.
VTC objection
Ventnor Town Council had submitted an objection against the development on 16th June, saying the design was inappropriate and it would change the surrounding community.
However, at the time of its objection, it said it was felt the proposal would likely become permanent residential accommodation.
Peace: Oweers are pumping so much money into St Rhadagund’s
Cllr Gary Peace, the representative for St Lawrence and Ventnor, said he spoke with the applicants and planning officers, asking if there was a possibility of changing the plans.
He said,
“There was a shedload of hostility towards their previous plans. One of the big things that came out of it was people accepting we need housing, not holiday accommodation.
“[The applicants] are pumping so much money into St Rhadagund’s to try to get it up to spec that I accept there has got to be some sort of development. If there has to be development, then it should be affordable homes.
“If that is the route they are going down, long term accommodation for Island families, then I am actually quite supportive of that providing it fits with everything else.”
Planning agents for the development said the building was an eyesore, empty and dilapidated with emergency repair work already underway to repair the roof, to prevent water ingress.
No other plans have been added to the council’s planning portal to reflect the change in the planning application, but the consultation period has been re-opened until 23rd July.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
