The Wildheart Trust in Sandown could be treated as a ‘special purchaser’ for a strip of Isle of Wight Council-owned land that adjoins its site.
The popular Wildheart Animal Sanctuary — formerly Sandown Zoo — on Yaverland Road has been a key feature of the Bay area for more than four decades.
Now the trust which runs it wishes to acquire the small area of land which runs directly behind the sanctuary’s existing boundary.
It says the land has “huge potential” for it to expand its offering to tourists and support its charitable activities.
It has asked the council to be treated as a special purchaser for the site and has submitted a formal request which will be considered by the Cabinet next Thursday (12th May).
If approved, a separate decision will be needed about any disposal or leasing of the land following negotiations.
Bates: Land would allow us to grow
In a letter to the council, Lawrence Bates, the trust’s chief operating officer, said,
“Land is a key resource for our charity to support our operations and, with no room to expand to the front, such a strip of land would allow us to grow and develop the charity so it can go on supporting the community and rescued animals for decades to come.”
He added,
“Our use would be wholly in line with the guidance of the Biosphere, supporting the Island’s objectives to become an ever greater wildlife holiday destination.”
Jarman: The land has no strategic value to IWC
Cllr Chris Jarman, Cabinet member for strategic finances, said,
“The Wildheart Trust are managing a popular and long-established tourism attraction and are seeking to invest and grow their facility and the additional land will enable them to fulfil their ambitions.
“The land in question is currently unused and unmanaged and is not identified as having any strategic value.
“The disposal to the trust would support their investment in the animal sanctuary, help sustain the tourism economy and potentially provide the opportunity to create additional employment and increased visitor numbers in the Bay area.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Survey Hacks under CC BY 2.0
