Worries about highway safety have been raised ahead of the next phase of refurbishment work at an Isle of Wight hotel.
New owner, A2K Leisure, has proposed an alfresco dining area at the Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay — but it would be built on a public road.
Currently, the road is an off-shute of Gate Lane, which provides access to a public slipway — cars reverse and boats are towed across it.
The proposals could ‘effectively split the cul-de-sac in half’, said Island Roads, which has objected to the proposal. The road at the front of the hotel, looking over Freshwater Bay, is subject to multiple traffic orders, which stop vehicles parking there for nine months of the year.
Under the planning application, the road could be partially re-paved and removable bollards could be installed, to prevent vehicles driving into the space.
Emergency and pedestrian access and the public right of way would be maintained, the plans say.
In planning documents submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, agent Modh Design, for A2K Leisure, said:
“It is not the intention to remove this space from the public realm.
Article continues below this advertisement “Instead, it is to improve the appearance of the area, make the section of carriageway safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians, and to protect the hotel from damage.”
Island Roads said it would leave the area ‘severely compromised’.
There is also uncertainty about road maintenance because, while A2k Leisure has said it will pay for the work and ongoing maintenance, it is Island Roads’ legal responsibility for the upkeep of the road. Island Roads said it would not have the materials nor money to maintain it, if A2k was to step away.
It has also raised concerns about who would be able to remove the bollards if access was required.
You can view the plans, 23/00680/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 30th May.
Sounds like a land grab to me!
Obviously the new owners have sent off their brown envelope.
It’s an who you know Island.
By people with boats or restaurant diners? Because, I’m not sure to which side you’re referring too ;D
If IR were to concern themselves about the state of existing roads for a start it would be helpful. No chance!
No, no and no should be the answer, but for a planning application to have been put in means A2k have already been in talks with the council who no doubt will already be working out how much they can charge them to turn this area into a glass strewn liquid dining experience.
A private company appropriating a public highway for its own use whilst pretending it will ‘benefit the public’ which it will absolutely not and of course they are using the old ‘pedestrian’ trick because they know the council are desperate to ban cars and vehicles from anywhere they can get away with it.
I suppose if Barretts can build over a Public Bridleway (Which they have) these people will probably be allowed to ‘assume ownership’ of a Public Road. Get a grip, stop this nonsense.
Island Roads objected, Lol I didn’t think island Roads knew the meaning of the word
Objected.
IWC planning dept at it best !!! And the best bit of the article “ it is Island Roads’ legal responsibility for the upkeep of the roads .. so should we all sue IR for the pit holes, poor roads and roadworks, but no work going on ..,except 12 workers propped up by shovels. ?
Omg leave the space as it is? Money grabbing idiots, so many people stop there for the beautiful views, how long has it been like that, it’s not broken so don’t try and fix it???
I’m sure a set of temporary lights would solve the problem.
They seem to be the solution everywhere else on the Island.
More public space being taken from the public!
NO NO and NO its a bloody road !! it won’t survive anyway and end up abandaned just like the hotel is now people like to park there to take the sights in also need access to the front beach and lifeboat. so NO…so they will get there way in the end then..there is plenty of room at the front so why the side part??
I’ve received a nice fat brown envelope and I fully endorse this application.
Blob … sir .. you’re too honest .. have you ever thought of becoming an IWC councillor .. ??
What a splendid idea. Yes please.