The Isle of Wight Society has joined calls to refuse an ‘intrusive’ plan for toilet and shower facilities at a historic building in East Cowes.
There is an alternative to ‘destroying’ the integrity of the Guardhouse at Victoria’s Barracks on Albany Road, the conservation organisation told planners ahead of a scheduled decision on 29th April.
The Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has proposed renovation works including external doors, external and internal alterations as well as an extension to the building.
Acting on behalf of CHC, ERMC previously said the plans seek to allow the Isle of Wight Council to ‘improve’ a building of local Island importance.
The Isle of Wight Society’s objection letter said:
“Any developments, while repairing and re-using heritage assets, should relate to the conservation and enhancement of that building.
“This application, while re-using a heritage asset, relates negatively to the conservation and enhancement of the Guardhouse. It ignores the coherent group value of the Guardhouse within the setting of the barracks and Parade ground.”
The proposed changes to the Guardhouse would be ‘detrimental’ to the Victorian grouping of Barracks, parade ground, Guardhouse, wall and railings, its representation stated.
Concern was also raised over surrounding fencing which the society said would separate the building from its original role within the parade ground.
The group said alternative plans involving the reopening of a disused doorway into a brick-wall-screened Guardhouse area in Columbine Road would still allow the structure to to be used as a shower block for the Marina.
This would avoid the need for berth holders to enter the parade ground, so the building could be ‘sensitively restored’ with non-opening Victorian style doors and windows on the parade ground side, the group added.
In addition, the society said fewer single showers would allow the current Guardhouse to be reused without an ‘unsightly extension’.
A Heritage Statement ERMC previously lodged with County Hall said:
“The proposed conversion of the Guardhouse into marina ancillary facilities, together with the addition of a circa 16 square metre side extension with a flat roof and parapet, represents a heritage-sensitive, conservation-led scheme.
“This is an appropriate, proportionate and well-justified intervention that preserves and enhances the heritage value of the Guardhouse.”
The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 26/00220/FUL ended on 7th April.
This building would have been excellent
if turned into beautiful apartments, obviously sold
at a premium price.
They are not destroing the integrity of the building, they are using an long closed existing building for a practical purpose, as opposed to making the tax payers of the island having to make a continuing financial contribution for a mid victorian building with debateable merit.