Tweaked plans for toilet and shower facilities at Victoria Barracks in East Cowes have failed to win over the town’s Isle of Wight councillor who continues to have concerns.
Councillor Karl Love has said cutting through the iron railings and wall frontage of the 19th-century building is ‘not acceptable’, in an objection to Cowes Harbour Commission’s (CHC) revised proposal for a change of use of The Guardhouse on Albany Road.
The independent representative has warned of ‘damage’ to the whole historic feature which he previously described as a conservation area ‘jewel’.
CHC’s agent, ERMC, has said the proposal brings The Guardhouse back into ‘beneficial use’ by providing WC and shower facilities as well as essential waste-storage provision serving a planned 145-berth marina, the latter being the subject of a separate application.
Cllr Love said:
“It’s not appropriate to do any heritage damage when there is a perfectly reasonable and logical entry point that can be reinstated. Thereby avoiding any unnecessary confrontation which CHC have chosen.
“One can reinstate this door without having to cause any damage at all to the iron fencing and provide access as requested.”
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CHC’s application also includes wash-down areas and associated alterations, including external doors, external and internal changes, a single storey extension, new pedestrian gated accesses, fencing, privacy screens, external paving and a bin store.
Plan revisions include the removal of a privacy screen to the building’s middle compartment and bin store enclosure fencing.
There are also added metal railings to the north and east boundaries of the application site.
An updated Design and Access Statement from ERMC said the proposal enhances a locally important building while supporting modern marina operations and contributing positively to the regeneration of the East Cowes waterfront. It said:
“The proposal submitted represents a sympathetic addition to the site and shall offer a continuity in building aesthetic and design whilst revitalising the seafront setting,”
