You might remember the post VB ran last week about the Ventnor rock subject to planning permission.
Looking through the comments section on the planning website, many of the town’s residents have shared their thoughts and opinions with the council about the planning proposal for the iconic rock.
One resident commented on the situation: “I wish to object strongly to the proposal to cut back the overhanging rock at the top of Belgrave Road. The rock has been standing there for much longer than Ventnor, posing no great danger. If bits continue to erode off, as they have done for millennia, then the likelihood of anyone being directly affected is minimal. Today’s “health and Safety” culture goes too far in “protecting” us all. To cut back this attractive feature is unnecessary.”
Would be a major and irrevocable loss of amenity
Another resident said, “It seems to me that Ventnor owes much of its layout and appeal and popularity with tourists to its natural geology.
“I believe that the loss of the Ventnor Rock feature, clearly a well-loved part of Ventnor’s quirky appeal, would constitute a major and irrevocable loss of amenity to the town.”
Look at the alternatives
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England is strongly opposed to the application, stating, “In my 40 years of living in Ventnor, I have never seen anyone, walking down Alpine Road, turn into Belgrave Road on the narrow piece of footpath under the rock – they always cross at that point to enjoy the view of the bay and the very wide pavement on the seaward side (which now even incorporates a seat).
“The purpose of the narrow pavement under the rock seems to be solely to keep traffic away from the right-hand side of the one-way road. That purpose is currently being achieved by an unsightly temporary barrier. That barrier could easily be replaced by a low permanent ornamental railing which would serve the same purpose – the small section of footpath under the rock was never used and would never be missed.”
Have your say
The deadline date to put your comment into the council is this Friday (1st July), so if you haven’t already commented, then now is your chance to get the council to listen to your opinion.
Do so on the IWC Planning site
