Last week, Isle of Wight council (IWC) planning committee rejected Red Funnel’s planning application to demolish several buildings in East Cowes and expand their ferry terminal.
Engage in “meaningful debate”
IWC councillor for East Cowes, Luisa Hillard, shared her thoughts on the way forward in an Open Letter through OnTheWight.
She called on Kevin George, the Red Funnel‘s CEO, to engage in meaningful debate with the local community.
George: “Frustrating decision for East Cowes”
Kevin George has this morning (Friday) shared his response to Luisa’s letter.
He started off by saying,
“The company is obviously very disappointed with the refusal decision made by the Planning Committee. That disappointment is not just for Red Funnel, our customers and staff, but for all residents and Island businesses that want a better ferry service.
“It is also a frustrating decision for East Cowes as a town, given that the regeneration project that was so strongly supported during the public consultation is now once again stalled.
“It is also hugely frustrating that the SLEP money assigned to the public realm improvements in East Cowes will now almost certainly be lost.”
Giving up is “simply not an option”
Many will be pleased to hear the ferry company have now confirmed they will seek further consultation with the community between now and the end of May, at which time they will announce whether or not they’ll appeal the planning decision.
Mr George explained,
“We have spent a few days considering the options open to us, which include a planning appeal or a re-application. In our view, giving up on the scheme would hurt the Isle of Wight’s economy and it’s simply not an option for the business.
“Many views and opinions were expressed in the Planning Meeting comments, some of which were factually incorrect and others which we consider to be genuine concerns.
“As a consequence, Red Funnel will undertake further consultation with all the key stakeholders and the various representative groups up to the end of May. At that time we will decide whether to appeal or re-apply.”
Image: © BBC South Today
