Carbon monoxide fears are behind County Hall’s refusal of a ‘substandard’ 2-bedroom flat behind a new launderette in Sandown.
The Isle of Wight Council declined Deven Thakrar’s proposed change of use of the rear of Island solicitors Jerome and Co’s former ground floor offices at 11 High Street.
There was also an objection from a next door cafe.
Last year, Mr Thakrar gained council consent to open a new launderette business at the High Street end of the building’s ground floor.
The latest submitted plans showed an apartment with a hall, lounge, utility room, kitchen and diner space and garden, but this part has been refused.
Neighbour Paul Fryatt said:
“My wife and I own Viv’s Cooking Cafe which is located adjacent to the site of the proposed application.
“In my view, any noise and cooking odours emanating from our kitchen could create an unsuitable living environment for future residents.
Article continues below this advertisement “The suggested installation of the plenum duct for the launderette, intended to be situated between our property and the adjacent one, will also generate noise and emissions that will affect all nearby residences.
“Furthermore, it will be positioned directly beneath (a resident’s) bedroom window on the upper floor and in close proximity to the planned bedrooms.
“Is this arrangement appropriate for him and any potential future residents?”
Justifying the refusal of the flat, planners wrote:
“The proposed development would result in a substandard residential unit on the grounds that the exhaust discharge point of the adjacent launderette would be positioned close to the proposed bedroom windows.
“Specifically, there is concern over carbon monoxide.
“This would result in poor living conditions for the occupiers of the proposed residential unit.
“The proposed development would therefore fail to provide a good living environment for future occupants.”
A Planning Statement included in Mr Thakrar’s application had said:
“The site is considered adequate to accommodate a residential unit to add to Sandown’s housing stock.
“The whole site is controlled by the applicant so there is no impediment to developing the site.
“The proposal will generate additional economic activity and should be beneficial for employment on the Island.”
