New toilets are proposed for a popular stretch of Island beach — but the old ones will stay for now.
New pay-as-you-use toilets are planned for near the bottom of Shanklin Chine to replace the currently dilapidated toilets.
Beyond economic repair
The existing conveniences are described in planning documents to be in very poor condition and beyond economic repair.
The new facilities, coloured to represent the seaside — sand yellow, marine blue sea and blue sky — would be sitting opposite the others, which would then be permanently closed.
One accessible and one unisex toilet
The Danfo-designed block would have two toilets — one accessible and one unisex — with two exterior cold water showers.
Planning documents say the new modern, fit for purpose, community building has been designed to respond to the increasing number of visitors.
The toilet block would also have a green living, sedum roof to blend in with the existing environment when walking down from the chine.
Controversial issue for Town Council
The approval of new toilets had been a controversial issue for Shanklin Town Council, with members arguing the decision-making process was unlawful and improper according to the town council’s financial regulations.
Only one quote had been sought for the design of the toilets, who, later, was awarded to contract.
Hailston: How can you tell if that is the best value?
Speaking back in August last year, Cllr Mike Hailston said,
“When you are spending in excess of £133,000 plus VAT then I think you do have a responsibility to look for the best value.
“Well if you are only getting one quote, how can you tell if that is the best value? You cannot.”
The matter was clarified by the town mayor, Cllr Chris Quirk, that while seeking more than one quote could be done, the way the council had acted was legal.
The cost to use the toilet would be 20p.
View the plans
To view the plans, 21/02459/FUL, you can visit the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 8th April.
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
Image: taichi nakamura under CC BY 2.0
