After three years in the pipeline, plans for a site on Ventnor Esplanade have finally been approved — despite residents dubbing the development a ‘monstrosity’.
Demolition of Le Veness started last November and only now, a year later, has the Isle of Wight Council given permission for its replacement to be built.
Five-storey building
Instead, a five-storey building, with five flats, will fill the gap on the Esplanade.
Four of the flats will have two bedrooms, but the top two floors will form a three-bed penthouse.
Revised plans
Plans for the site were revised twice since they were first submitted to the Isle of Wight Council in 2019 and over time have included changes to the parking, appearance and a reduction in the width and depth of the top floor.
Nearly 90 objections were submitted over the three years — compared to 12 comments in favour — and said the scheme looked ‘ugly’, was ‘insensitive’ to the conservation area and was ‘too large and bulky’.
Others, however, said the development would make the Esplanade look clean and smart, preserving the integrity of the seafront.
Taller than approved plans
A scheme had previously been approved in 2010 for a six storey-building.
While changes to the roof have meant the 2022 scheme is taller than the original 2019 plans, it would still be shorter than the property approved 12 years ago.
Changing the landscape of the Esplanade
Council officers said the building, with its stepped-back design, would obviously change the landscape of the Esplanade, but would not be detrimental to the street scene or conservation area.
Ground stability concerns
The main delay behind the site’s approval, officers say, has been concerns over ground stability as the site is within an area known for instability and forms a significant concern for neighbours.
Investigative works have been undertaken and the council’s external consultant engineer says the scheme and construction sequence would address concerns, is well thought out and allow the building to be built while maintaining stability of the site and neighbouring properties.
Conditional permission
Conditions have been added to the permission including the need for a construction traffic management plan, further ground stability information to ensure safety at all stages of construction and a three-year timeframe for work to start.
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
