Ventnor Town Council (VTC) has added its name to the list of objectors against the redevelopment of East Dene, into a boutique hotel with eco-holiday lodges, slamming it as a ‘preposterous’ application.
Parking, land stability and site accessibility are among the reasons VTC’s planning committee agreed to strongly oppose the Bonchurch application.
A ‘must-visit’ wellness retreat
Wonder Wellbeing wants to turn the 1824 Grade II* listed building and its grounds into a ‘must-visit’ wellness retreat, with a spa and gym, on the site of the former activities centre and venue.
The firm wants to offer bespoke programmes in health, nutrition and alternative medicine, aimed at individuals and companies.
Merit in restoring the main house
At a meeting on Thursday, VTC recognised the proposal had merit in preserving and restoring the building, while creating employment opportunities.
But councillors said the development should be sympathetic to the local environment and they raised significant areas of concern.
Toogood: Practically impossible for construction lorries to get through the village
Cllr Jim Toogood argued the redevelopment would never work, claiming it would be practically impossible for construction lorries to get through the village without causing damage to cars, stone-wall-lined roads and the 11th Century St Boniface Church.
He said it seemed like just a business exercise, with no consideration for anything else and that issues had not been dealt with in the application.
Councillors also thought increased traffic in the area would pose a serious risk to pedestrians, as the roads are part of the coastal path.
Fire risks
The proposed eco-lodges would be set in woodland and have log burners and Island Roads told VTC there was a fear the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service would be unable to reach some of them if they needed to.
There were also fears for the lodges’ impact on local wildlife.
National objections
National charities seeking to preserve heritage, The Victorian Society and The Georgian Group have also objected to the application, saying East Dene is a rare and intact example of a marine villa and the proposals would appear ‘alien’ compared to its surroundings.
They also called it an ‘overdevelopment’ which would significantly alter the site’s special character.
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
Image: © Allnatt
