Plans to convert a long-shuttered Shanklin hotel into 6 flats have drawn objections, with fears the homes would be unaffordable and harm seafront trade.
A conversion scheme for the former Esplanade Hotel at 32 Esplanade in Shanklin is facing resistance, with one resident claiming the proposed apartments would ‘almost certainly’ be out of reach for most Islanders.
Harry Roe of Hive Opco is seeking permission to turn the building into six two-bedroom flats. The plans include the addition of a new second-floor balcony and two new front-elevation doorways at second-floor level.
The property has stood unused since 2020 and is described as being in a “very poor state of repair”, with water ingress and a “shabby exterior”, according to a statement submitted by Mr Roe’s agent, Plan Research.
The consultancy says the 6 apartments would contribute towards meeting demonstrable housing need on the Isle of Wight.
However, Esplanade resident Karen McDowell has objected to the proposal, arguing that homes are not appropriate for the prime seafront location.
“Instead we should be providing much-needed holiday let accommodation, which encourages further tourists who will, in turn, make use of the amenities along the Esplanade.
“Should newly refurbished residential apartments be allowed on the Esplanade, they would almost certainly be out of the price range of most Islanders, so this would not help with the need to build affordable homes.
Article continues below this advertisement “The residents would also not need to frequent the well-established businesses that cater for the tourists on the seafront. However, six new holiday let apartments would generate significant footfall for all the seafront businesses.
“You only have to look to neighbouring Sandown to see what can easily happen when there are not enough tourists to keep a place alive.”
Ms McDowell urged planners to prevent what she described as ‘this fate’ falling on Shanklin.
Tracey France, owner of two seasonal seafront businesses, has also objected and raised similar concerns about the potential impact on trade.
“Many businesses are suffering along the Esplanade already, with this building being derelict and closed and the future owners of residential apartments will not use the local amenities.”
In its supporting statement, Plan Research said the owner had previously attempted to reposition the business but struggled to find a viable solution.
“The owner tried to reposition the business, but no one was interested in converting it to a mixed scheme of four apartments, one of which would have been in residential use, as the scheme given planning permission was commercially unviable.
“It is difficult to obtain development finance for a mixed-use building, discouraging any potential purchaser.
“The significant drop in tourism spend in the UK, and specifically on the Island, has compounded this difficulty. The outside of the former hotel building is an eyesore in the conservation area, and affects tourism provision at other properties nearby.”
Public consultation on application 25/01844/FUL is open until next Friday (27th February), with a decision expected on 23rd March.
Seafront properties with sea views come at a price.
One doesn’t expect social housing tenants to
get such properties.
The significant drop in tourism is due to economics, everyone is short of money. High ferry costs is a No 1 spend so people go elsewhere and save considerable amounts
That is very true. Why holiday on the island
when you can go to Kent, Sussex, Hampshire or
Dorset, all can be reached with no extortionate Ferry fares.
Money saved goes towards accommodation.
Convert it to multiple occupancy so some poor people can enjoy a better life then! Oooo no, you woudn’t agree with that, would you?
There is no demand for ”much needed holiday let accommodation”. On the contrary, the Island already has a surplus. I do wish those who object to proposals such as this would come up with a serious, viable alternative use for these former hotels which were built to cater for a market which no longer exists.
Why would you turn a former hotel into affordable housing for islanders ? The idea is to get the most profit from the conversation.