Red Funnel have won their battle with the Isle of Wight Council to build on land at East Cowes, bringing a regeneration to the town and increasing the ferry company’s capacity.
The Planning Inspectorate has approved Red Funnel’s plans for its East Cowes terminal and the surrounding areas following a public inquiry held earlier this year. In April 2016 the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee refused to grant permission for the scheme for 100 homes, a 60-bed hotel, retail, leisure and commercial premises and the redevelopment of the ferry terminal, forcing Red Funnel to go to appeal.
The controversial plans have been met with anger by local residents due to the loss of a number of houses on Dover Road and the demolition of nearby businesses. However, Island-wide the scheme appears to have support from Islanders.
Although the green light has now been given to the original plans, Red Funnel has also gained permission for a smaller scheme. It is currently unclear whether the original or revised plan will be the one followed.
A spokesperson for Red Funnel has said:
“We now have the approval we need to build a 21st century ferry terminal which will facilitate growth in the Island’s economy for decades to come as well as resolving the traffic congestion in East Cowes and facilitating the regeneration of the town centre.
“More details about the new terminal layout and time-line will be published in late September.”
Earlier today it was announced that Wight Shipyard will be building Red Jet 7 in East Cowes, marking a £7million boost for the local economy.
