Much-needed plans to rejuvenate a derelict site on Ventnor Esplanade have been approved – despite the concerns of some locals who didn’t approve of what was proposed.
Demolition of La Veness started last November and only now, some year later, has the Isle of Wight Council given permission for its replacement to be built. Instead, a 5-storey building, with 5 flats, will fill the gap on the Esplanade. 4 of the flats will have 2 bedrooms, but the top 2 floors will form a 3-bed penthouse.
Plans for the site were revised twice since they were first submitted to the Isle of Wight Council in 2019 and over time have included changes to the parking, appearance and a reduction in the width and depth of the top floor.
Nearly 90 objections were submitted over the 3 years — compared to 12 comments in favour — and said the scheme looked ‘ugly’, was ‘insensitive’ to the conservation area and was ‘too large and bulky’. Others, however, said the development would make the Esplanade look clean and smart, preserving the integrity of the seafront.
A scheme had previously been approved in 2010 for a 6 storey-building, and while changes to the roof have meant the 2022 scheme is taller than the original 2019 plans, it would still be shorter than the property approved 12 years ago.
The main delay behind the site’s approval, officers say, has been concerns over ground stability as the site is within an area known for instability and forms a significant concern for neighbours.
Investigative works have been undertaken and the council’s external consultant engineer says the scheme and construction sequence would address concerns, is well thought out and allow the building to be built while maintaining stability of the site and neighbouring properties.
Conditions have been added to the permission including the need for a construction traffic management plan, further ground stability information to ensure safety at all stages of construction and a 3-year timeframe for work to start.
More flats, what happened to Tourism on the Island.
More like, more second homes that tourists will buy-up…
more 2rd homes then Council dont give a s–t what is put there as long as they get more Council tax to waste or fill up there pension pot
When I was a child Ventnor had a Pier, amusement arcades, bingo’s, boating lake and putting.
what does it have now!!
It has a thriving drug trading and growing industry, along with single parent child tax credits, child allowance and subsidised rent and c.tax life style choice for many, as much of the UK does now.
No wonder employers can’t find willing employees, as people are better off not working, and then having all the time in the world to enjoy life or grow, deal, and make an even better living with the extra spending money all undeclared of course
heroin and crack, double yellow lines and second homes.
This is what needs to happen in Sandown as well.
Well we know what will happen it will begin to get built, then they will find out it is really unstable to build on and then, hey presto, there will be a fire, but it’s not arson guv’ honest.