The conversion of an ‘extremely tired’ Isle of Wight hotel into flats, a ‘high quality’ shepherd’s hut at an alpaca and llama farm and a new doggy day care.
These are 3 of the Island’s most significant planning applications decided by County Hall in December.
On 15th December, planners approved Suzanne Wright’s proposal for a change of use of Guido Designs Unit 3, a workshop on Ventnor Industrial Estate on Ventnor’s Old Station Road.
The proposed ‘Wright Zone Doggy Day Care’ unit has main play and enrichment, calm and comfy and isolation areas along with storage space, an office and a reception.
Ventnor Town Council backed the proposal subject to a condition ensuring vehicle movement is staggered.
A resident of the town, Mrs E. Bush, meanwhile described the bid as a “great idea”, saying “we need more things like this on the south side of the Island”.
The Isle of Wight Council’s decision report for application 25/01551/FUL said the proposed use would deliver employment benefit to the community and assist a startup business.
Seven conditions were attached to the approval.
On the same day, the council accepted N. and M. Payne’s application to site a ‘high quality’ shepherd’s hut with an outdoor kitchen, sauna and mini meadow, ‘suited to singles and couples on short breaks’, at West Wight Alpacas between Wellow and Thorley.
Approved plans will provide the farm and tourist destination an alternative revenue stream with more stability and less reliance on day-to-day weather, according to a statement from Planning and Development Hub.
Two residents opposed the proposal, however, with disquiet voiced over overdevelopment and noise.
Shalfleet Parish Council did not object to application 25/01314/FUL.
Isle of Wight Council planners said in their decision report:
“Officers are satisfied that the development would not result in overdevelopment of the site or an adverse visual impact to the rural character of the area.
“The proposals would not result in an adverse level of noise impact to neighbouring property occupiers.”
A total of 7 conditions were included in the consent.
Three days later (18th December), the local authority granted Mr and Mrs Lawrence consent for a change of use of the Roseglen Hotel at 12 Palmerston Road in Shanklin, including a demolition of the building’s rear two storey extension.
The ‘extremely tired’ and ‘rundown’ building will be turned into eight flats.
County Hall previously said it held an open enforcement case relating to the hotel’s unauthorised change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The council said enforcement action was paused while the flats application was being considered.
Its decision report on proposal 25/01611/FUL said:
“The hotel use has become unviable, there is no demand for the property as a going concern and the loss of the hotel accommodation would not have a serious adverse impact on the local tourism economy.
“The proposed conversion would result in suitable accommodation for occupiers and would have no adverse impact on neighbouring amenity or the highway network.”
Three conditions were included in the permission relating to legal and planning policy compliance and highway safety.
Both Shanklin Town Council and local Conservative Isle of Wight councillor Michael Beston supported the conversion with letters to planners.
Wow – well done IOW Council planners for actually supporting investment and forward thinking. You can make a difference when you want to.
Sounds Good to me