A homes and workspace plan has been unveiled for a former garden centre in Arreton.
The Arreton Garden and Aquatic Centre on Hale Common, now demolished, was to have been replaced by a larger tourist attraction based around Godshill Cider and Chocolate Island.
However, the Goddards brewery and visitor centre currently being built down the road on the old Branstone Farm site, has led to a change of heart.
Plans for mixed residential and retail
Instead, mixed residential and retail outline plans have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council for the site next to the Fighting Cocks pub.
The planning documents say a gap in the market has been found with a concept that is very popular elsewhere in the country.
Live / work units
On the ground floor would be 20 industrial or business units with two-bedroom affordable flats above them.
The residential properties would have a balcony and garden as well as sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
Expand commercial, industrial and residential within Arreton Valley
In the planning statement, submitted by SJT Construction, it says the landowners feel there is not sufficient confidence in the economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector, to support two similar attractions in close proximity to each other.
SJT says its proposals would expand the commercial, industrial and residential uses within the Arreton Valley and it believes the scheme slots in seamlessly with the surrounding uses.
Providing opportunities for small self-employment businesses
In the documents, SJT said,
“We believe this meets a specific need by providing opportunities for small self-employment businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting local businesses, while reducing the need to commute.”
It said while the site is in a wider rural area where housing would not usually be permitted, they argue the proposal meets an identified need and tilts the balance in favour of approval, in the same way the Branstone Farm site was deemed acceptable.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 22/01477/OUT, on the council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 23rd September.
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
