An ambitious new plan designed to revitalise Sandown’s architectural and historical features, address the issue of derelict sites, and improve the public domain has been unveiled today.
The Sandown Conservation Area Management Plan, a joint initiative of the Isle of Wight council and Sandown Town Council, has been launched in response to public consultation, community engagement initiatives and input from various stakeholder groups.
What it includes
Key elements of the plan include the current condition assessment of buildings within the conservation area and the appointment of ‘Historic Environment Champions’ to bolster the profile and awareness of conservation-related matters.
The plan also sets out to rectify the presence of redundant or harmful signage, deal with the town’s most egregious vacant or damaging sites, and foster improvements to the public realm with measures such as installing planters and collaborating with Green Town Volunteers.
An annual awards scheme
Another feature of the initiative is the promotion of an annual awards scheme to recognise exceptional building projects and environmental enhancements, alongside endorsing a maintenance week to spruce up the appearance of the public realm.
The management plan, while centred around the conservation area, takes inspiration from the Bay Place Plan and strives to support the wider Bay area’s regeneration.
Fuller: An exciting opportunity for Sandown
Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative,
“This management plan focuses and seeks clarity on the town’s conservation area whilst providing an exciting opportunity moving forward for Sandown.”
Collaboration
Councillor Fuller further stated that the initiative allows for a cooperative approach with Sandown Town Council to address concerns identified as ‘at risk’ within the parameters of English Heritage’s Risk Register.
The unexpected closure of several hotels along High Street and Culver Parade, in addition to the demolition of the Savoy Apartments, has had an adverse impact on the character of the conservation area and led to an economic downturn for the town.
Further work is needed
Despite improvements to some residential properties, it is clear that further work is needed.
The report acknowledges council enforcement measures but recommends a broader approach that includes the development, reuse, and restoration of key buildings, with an emphasis on transforming vacant upper floors into residential spaces.
The report’s ultimate conclusion stresses the collective responsibility for the conservation area’s future improvement and management.
Lightfoot: We value IWC listening to the concerns raised
Councillor Alex Lightfoot, the Mayor of Sandown, praised the Isle of Wight council for its attention to pressing challenges like the need for legal action against vacant and derelict buildings.
Councillor Lightfoot also mentioned the potential for immediate progress on initiatives such as the Accessible Changing Places project, which has secured external funding.
View the plan
Members of the public can view the plan at Sandown Library, where a transcribed copy is available at the reception desk.
Alternatively, the plan can be accessed on the Isle of Wight Council’s Website or seen below, embedded for your convenience.
Image: © The Ancient Matelot
