EAST COWES CRAFT BREWERY ALMOST THERE AFTER CONDITIONAL PERMISSION GRANTED

Conditional permission has been granted for a new craft ale bar, which plans to open in East Cowes, showcasing locally brewed ales. The Island Life Craft Brewery ale house will open on Clarence Road in East Cowes — in what used to be the Old Curiosity shop — after years hidden away in a back room. Among the requirements for the brewery’s owner, Glenn Johnson, are restricted delivery times and opening hours, agreed by the Isle of Wight Council last week. It must close at 23:00, Monday to Thursday; at 23:30 on Friday and Saturday; and at 22:30 on Sunday. Planning officers said the business would help diversification and increase footfall in the town while ensuring the reopening of a currently vacant shop. Noise worries, raised by a nearby resident, were dismissed by council officers who said levels would not be to an unacceptable degree. However, soundproofing must be installed and the Isle of Wight Council must approve those plans separately. One commenter said it would be an extremely positive addition to the regeneration of East Cowes, arguing customers would be “more mature” than that those who visit bars and pubs.