Former Worsley Pub in Wroxall

Village transformation: Derelict former pub to make way for new homes

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The demolition of an eyesore Isle of Wight pub has finally been approved — nearly four years after plans were first submitted.

Now derelict, The Worsley, on Wroxall High Street, will be knocked down and replaced by six houses.

Conditional planning permission
The Isle of Wight council has granted conditional planning permission for a mix of two and three-bed chalet bungalows and houses.

The public house has stood empty for the last ten years and has deteriorated in condition during that time. The Isle of Wight council says it has become overgrown and unkempt.

Long time coming
A development plan was first submitted in November 2019, by E.B.C.S Ltd, but has been revised multiple times since then.

In planning documents, dating to the start of the application process, agent Andrew White Planning Consultancy claimed the site’s condition was having a negative impact on the surrounding area.

The consultancy said there were constraints and challenges — including protected trees, sewer pipes and impact on neighbouring properties — which meant the small-scale development was fairly complex.

IWC: Public benefit to demolish and redevelop the site
In its decision notice this week, the Isle of Wight council said The Worsley has fallen into a worse state of repair and it is of public benefit to demolish it and redevelop the site, improving its appearance and protecting and enhancing the character of the village.

16 conditions with permission
There are 16 conditions.

Among them: A method statement must be agreed before development can start, explaining how the site will be cleared and maintained; a contamination study must be carried out; and development must start within three years.


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

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