Fresh proposals for ‘much-needed’ toilet and shower facilities at a 19th century Isle of Wight barracks have been lodged following public criticism.
Cowes Harbour Commission has submitted revised plans to County Hall for a change of use of The Guardhouse on Albany Road in East Cowes, to form shower rooms and WC facilities.
The planning application also includes wash-down areas and associated alterations, including external doors, external and internal changes, a single storey extension, new pedestrian gated accesses, fencing, privacy screens, external paving and a bin store.
Plan revisions include the removal of a privacy screen to the building’s middle compartment and bin store enclosure fencing.
There are also added metal railings to the north and east boundaries of the application site.
A revised Design and Access Statement from ERMC said the proposal brings The Guardhouse back into ‘beneficial use’ by providing WC and shower facilities as well as essential waste-storage provision serving a planned 145-berth marina, the latter being the subject of a separate application.
The consultancy said:
“The scheme enhances a locally important historic building while supporting modern marina operations and contributing positively to the regeneration of the East Cowes waterfront.
Article continues below this advertisement “The extension has been designed as a sympathetic and subservient addition to the historic Guardhouse, ensuring the character of the existing building is preserved while delivering modern, functional facilities for marina users.”
Previous objectors to the application include the Isle of Wight Society, a conservation organisation which called the plan ‘intrusive’, and East Cowes independent councillor Karl Love who said marina development must come within the confines of heritage assets and community spaces.
