Plans to demolish an Isle of Wight hotel, overlooking Sandown Bay, are back on the table again.
Sandown Manor Hotel, on Yaverland Road, could be knocked down and turned into four houses under new plans as the business becomes increasingly unviable.
Struggled to stay afloat following Covid
Owners Carlo and Sarah Valvona took over the hotel in 2018, after it spent years on the market, but it has struggled to stay afloat following the Covid pandemic.
Documents submitted to the Isle of Wight council said the changing market demands and significant repair costs — which are estimated to be topping around £600,000 — are making it unsustainable to run the hotel.
Multiple proposals designed
In light of the challenges, multiple proposals have been designed to demolish and build on the site, but plans for six houses were refused in 2021 and resubmitted in 2022 for five dwellings — three houses and two holiday bungalows.
Further changes have been made to the plans recently for four houses.
Support from local councillor
Proposals have the support of Sandown North’s Councillor Debbie Andre who said the hotel forms a visible part of the skyline at the Yaverland end of Sandown Bay.
She said the building had deteriorated over the years and did not enhance the area or add anything of heritage value.
Other comments previously submitted on plans said the current hotel is not nice to look at and if left, would only worsen and become an eyesore.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 22/00928/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 10th October 2023.
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
