Two ‘unsafe and unsightly’ houses on a main Isle of Wight road could be demolished following a fatal fire.
Joanne Still applied to the council for permission to demolish two ‘significantly fire-damaged buildings’ – 54 and 56 New Road in Brading – and build a replacement property.
Fatal fire
On 1st December 2023, a fire started at No. 56 which it went on to ‘completely’ destroy before spreading next-door, according to the Andrew White Planning Consultancy.
The blaze resulted in the death of 60-year-old John Kent, the owner of No. 56.
Development of No. 54
Ms Still’s proposed two-storey house would be a redevelopment of No. 54 which she owns part of.
It would comprise a kitchen, dining room, lounge, hallway, utility room, two WCs, three bedrooms and a bathroom. The consultancy said,
“This application will see the demolition of the buildings which will be an immediate improvement to the visual amenities of the area.
“The future development of the neighbouring site (No. 56) remains uncertain as the elderly owner tragically died in the fire and the property was not insured.
“However, it is necessary to demolish the entire pair for safety reasons and to enable the redevelopment of No. 54.
“The development proposed is able to demonstrate a design which is completely compatible with the character and appearance of its surroundings, visually attractive and has no adverse impacts on the amenities of the neighbouring residential uses or highway considerations”.
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (25/00547/FUL).
The public consultation runs until 13th May and a decision is expected by 3rd June 2025.
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
