The Isle of Wight Council has stepped in to tackle the long-standing issues of the derelict Esplanade Hotel in Sandown, issuing a Section 215 Notice to the property’s owners.
Despite new ownership in 2019 and planning permission for refurbishment, the property has continued to fall into disrepair, affecting the surrounding area. It has become yet another eyesore on the seafront at Sandown.
In response to the crumbling state of the former hotel, the Council has issued a Section 215 Notice, effective from 6th February 2025.
This notice requires the owner to undertake more than 100 remedial actions within 6 months to improve the property’s appearance. The required actions include removing overgrown vegetation, repairing defective render and repainting the building’s exterior.
Similar action was taken on the Ocean Hotel next door, but that still remains in a derelict and unsafe state with legal battles continuing through the courts.
Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, has said:
“This notice is a significant step towards improving the condition of the Esplanade Hotel and ensuring it no longer detracts from the local area.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are committed to using our enforcement powers to maintain the appearance of our communities and support the well-being of residents.”
Councillor Alex Lightfoot, mayor of Sandown, adds:
“We welcome the council’s action and look forward to seeing the remedial works being undertaken.
“The Esplanade Hotel has been an eyesore for too long, and these changes will greatly benefit the town and its residents.”
We all know, this is like peeing in the wind, this will drag on for years, they will arrogantly ignore all demands to improve the site.. it’s about time the courts grew some teeth instead of putting long time responses for action..
Do we all know this? I didn’t know.
That worked well for the Ocean hotel then, this one will be the same
Time to demolish all these old hotels now and regenerte sandown ..which is an absolute shit hole.
So overdue, this is affecting, many local
businesses, who in their right mind would
want to holiday in Sandown – no wonder people
flock overseas for their holidays.
Beirut is in better shape than Sandown.
It is a disgrace.
Good that the council is doing something rather than nothing, even if ultimately the courts fail to back them up. The council has been pretty hot on building owners in Union St, Cross St and the High St in Ryde and it’s made a noticeable difference.
What ever happened to the Royal York Hotel
in Ryde, tarted up at the front, but an eyesore at the
back.
I saw a video on You Tube and it showed persons
squatting there.
Also what is happening to the old gym opposite
Ryde St Johns Road Railway Station
IT LOOKS A COMPLETE EYESPRE WITH ALL THE
FLAKEY PAINT!
There are so many dumps on the island.
The buildings at the Old Spa Car Park Shanklin
Esplanade have been derelict for years and the
old Esplanade Hotel along Shanklin Esplanade.
Time for the Bulldozers to get to work.
Being an ex Health and Safety Manager
I cannot believe the way this building is left,
no fencing is put in place for safety.
“It is a disaster waiting too happen”
Does IW Council employees, eg district steward
or Civil Enforcement Officers not notice such
dangers when walking past this derelict hotel!
SHOCKING