At last week’s public meeting to discuss the future of the Ventnor Botanic Garden (VBG), questions were raised over the imminent sale of Signal Point, the house that sits at the top of the Garden just along from the car park.
As highlighted in our report of the meeting, it was revealed by Isle of Wight Cabinet member, Cllr George Brown, that the proceeds of the sale of the property would return to the council’s central coffers, rather than being put back into the running of the VBG.
The Executive Committee of the VBG Friends’ Society got in touch with VB last week to let us know they’ll be seeking advice to challenge the legality of the sale by the Isle of Wight Council.
House is within Garden not car park
Rosemary Stewart on behalf of the Executive Committee of the VBG Friends’ Society told VB, “Signal Point was part of the Royal National Hospital and the crest is still visible on its eastern flank. As far as we know, the Ventnor Urban District Council purchased the site in two different parts. One, the grounds and its buildings designated ‘Public Use and Open Space’ and two, the site of the actual hospital which is now the car park, under a different form or statute that allowed for charging of parking.
“The sale of Signal Point includes land to form a garden within the confines of the Botanic Garden and allotted free space within the car park. It is being sold for ‘private use’.
“For over 21 years the Ventnor Botanic Garden Friends’ Society has supported the Garden and thereby the IWC. We now sadly feel that it is encumbent upon us to bring this into the public domain. We also feel sorry for the prospective purchaser who we feel sure is unaware of the change of use and circumstances.”
Should it be sold off and where should be money go?
As well as the legitimacy of whether the council should be selling Signal Point, many feel that any income from any the sale of the property should go back into the running of the Garden rather than back to the central budget of the county council.
We’re told it it currently costs the council approximately £250,000 a year to run.
Once we hear more news, we’ll let you know.
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