A former hotel in Shanklin could be pulled down and replaced with 4-storey blocks of flats.
Queensmead Hotel, on Queens Road, was closed in October 2020 and now plans have been submitted to demolish the 23-bed hotel, outbuildings and swimming pool.
In its place, 2 blocks would be built, forming a total of 18 flats – a mixture of 1 and 2-beds, with car and bicycle parking spaces.
Applicants Mr and Mrs B Audley have submitted outline plans to the Isle of Wight Council.
The appearance and the landscaping of the site will be the subject of a future application.
Plans from the agents, M. J. Hayles Architectural Service, show 1 block of flats will front Queens Road and the other will face Alexandra Road. The first building will have 10x 2-bed flats, 1 being a penthouse, with lift access. The second would house 8 residences, 6x 2-bed apartments, three of those being over 2 floors, and 2x 1-bed flats.
Island Roads has said it approves conditionally to the major development.
To view, or comment, on the application, 21/00319/OUT, you can visit the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments will be accepted until 6th April.
UPDATE – The owners of the Queensmead Hotel say they have ‘no plans’ for the hotel to be knocked down and turned into flats, despite the planning application applying for exactly that.
In a statement, owner’s Barry and Kim Audley say that tough decisions have had to be made after the closures of 2020 and as a result major changes to personal health during this time.
“The planning permission sought was as an outcome of 2020 and The Queensmead Hotel has no plans to be knocked down and turned into flats.
“This decision may change in years to come but to confirm the hotel will be re-opening as soon as the government allows (approx May/June). The hotel will be under new management by family and welcoming back old & new staff.
“The bookings of regular guests and new are flooding in, dates and details for coach tours for 2022/2023 have already been confirmed.
“The Queensmead Hotel, may one day become flats in years to come – but not today or anytime soon”.
So awful to see lovely old buildings torn down and ugly hutches replacing such. More cars, less parking, and few pay a full rent’ so not even ‘good’ for the economy as most are on some sort of subsidised rent for various reasons, thus ‘taking’ out of the pot.
This Island is being ruined both visually and by the surging amounts of permanent people moving here, yet with no jobs.
Best think then place that X very differently this Maytime.
Do you have any proof that few don’t pay full rent? even if they’re getting government support which I highly doubt, money is still going into the economy no matter if it’s being paid fully or paid through government support. Also, would you rather have new development on an already developed site or a quickly deteriorating abandoned building?
do you have proof they won’t be paying full rent
if you read it it is not coming down
This is one of the best hotel on the island
At least they will be building on brown field land. Which is good.
Yea, But why knock it down. Its a handsome building. Could you not convert it into flats . You certainty could not get as many bodies in it . Mmmm will it ever stop being all about money.
Anyway lets all hope it continues to flourish a a loved hotel.