A planning application has been submitted to convert a former Sandown hotel into supported accommodation for adults with learning disabilities.
The proposal, submitted to the Isle of Wight Council by Fundamentum, on behalf of mainland-based supported living provider Rolig Homes, seeks to convert the former Fernside Hotel at 30 Station Avenue into a 12-bedroom supported living facility.
Fernside was marketed for sale between November 2024 and June 2025 following the criminal conviction of its owner, Stuart Pettifer, who was handed a suspended sentence in September 2024 for making and distributing indecent images of children. Despite a reduction in asking price, the property attracted minimal interest.
Under the current proposals, the building would be used to provide 24/7 supported housing for local adults with learning disabilities. Each resident would have their own en-suite room, alongside shared communal space and on-site staff facilities.
A letter from the Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Social Care team, submitted in support of the application, confirms the scheme would help meet identified local need, reduce out-of-area placements, and promote independence for vulnerable residents. The Council would retain nomination rights to ensure places benefit Island residents.
No external alterations are planned other than removing a single-storey side lobby. The building sits within the Sandown Conservation Area and would retain its residential character. 9 parking spaces and secure cycle storage are included within the proposed layout.
Although the application results in the loss of tourist accommodation, planning documents argue this is justified due to the decline in local tourism, the lack of viability of the hotel use, and the urgent need for specialist housing. It is also noted that the property remaining vacant would risk adding to Sandown’s wider issues with dereliction.
If approved, the development would create 4 new full-time equivalent jobs in addition to indirect local employment through care provision and maintenance.
The Isle of Wight Council is set to make a decision on 25/01581/FUL by 12th January 2026.
