A former coastguard service station in Totland on the Isle of Wight will be turned into a commercial art gallery following approval from County Hall.
Brett Walpole of Medium Art has planning consent for a change of use of the Needles Station on Lanes End in Totland, with associated building alterations, roof-mounted solar panels and landscaping.
The premises will feature exhibitions with paintings and sculptures by local, national and international artists and offer works of contemporary art for sale, according to the applicant.
Mr Walpole previously said proposed changes are intended to be ‘pleasing aesthetically’ and that the public value of an art gallery on the Island is hoped to attract inward investment and ‘cultural evolution’.
Planners concluded the development would benefit the local community and would not unduly impact upon occupiers of neighbouring properties.
A decision report said:
“The proposal would result in an improvement to the area repurposing an empty building that currently has a bland uninteresting appearance.
“The proposal to include new windows within the gable ends would add design interest whilst the planting would soften and enhance the site creating an attractive site within this picturesque area.
Article continues below this advertisement “Officers are therefore satisfied that the proposal would not negatively impact on the highway network.”
