The demolition of a historical watchtower in Freshwater has been refused by the Isle of Wight Council.
Proposals submitted by Linstone Chine Management Company sought approval for the demolition of the former coastguard lookout, which overlooks Fort Albert, as it is danger of collapse.
According to planning documents, the lookout, which sits on top of the Cliff End Battery, is in a derelict condition, with a partially collapsed roof and doorways, and no safe access to the first floor.
The company was asking for planning permission to demolish the structure as soon as possible.
However, in a letter, as the local planning authority, the Isle of Wight Council rejected planning permission on 2 grounds.
The first was insufficient information had been supplied to give evidence that the building had not been rendered unsafe by the action or inaction of any person having an interest in the land and that it was not practical to secure safety by works of repair or works for affording temporary support.
The second was the demolition had the potential to cause harm or disturbance to protected species, potentially bats and reptiles, that were afforded legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
A wildlife impact assessment would also need to be supplied setting out the potential impact of the demolition and how that would be avoided or mitigated.
The applicant is able to appeal the decision of the local planning authority.
However, the decision to demolish the lookout has been met with backlash from the local community who want to see it retained as part of the Island’s history. One local resident said they objected to the proposal in the strongest terms possible, as the observation tower is a vital part of the West Wight’s military heritage.
Although others have supported the application due to the unsafe nature of the structure, which stands on top of an electric power station, and could collapse.
Get all these Arseoles who have been arrested lately to repair it as part of their punishment if you can call it that. It’ll probably be the only days work they’ll ever do!
Well said
Presumably the ‘Electric Power Station’ needs to be made stable as well, or both will descend gently down the slope !
For once in a long time I find I agree with this council’s decision linstone chine management is nothing more than a holiday accommodation company who care nothing about island heritage or the environment get it repaired you own it
Like tree preservation orders, any deliberate damage the owners commit will be, even IF proven and fined, be more than compensated for once permission is granted.
Anyone who is suspected of causing deliberate damage to buildings or trees, in order to gain financially should have any planning permission halted for ten years, and the buildings or trees reinstated at the suspects cost.
Anything else and they will just take action themselves and build in the ‘loss’ into the selling price or rent once they have ‘gotten what they wanted’.
Fight fire with fire council.
Sadly many feel planning is very corrupt and whilst bats and rare species will be used to ‘block’ what the council don’t gain from, on sites which they own, or have close ‘allies’ who know how to thank properly, the bats, wildlife and history will be bulldozed into a smouldering pile without a care.
The Island is a small place and people know people.
Great reply Perry.
Good. Doing what they are charged to do.
They won’t allow this, but they did allow the London Hotel in Ryde to be ILLEGALLY demolished many, many years ago. The hotel was a listed building but the council practically pulled it down overnight.
It is an ugly monstrosity, a blot on the landscape and the site needs to be returned to nature.
Nice one. Well done IW Council.