The next steps in the Isle of Wight Council’s plans to revitalise Newport Harbour are being considered by senior councillors as new planning guidance for the area comes forward.
Following a long consultation process, the publication of the masterplan for Newport Harbour in 2019 put forward a number of possible features for the harbour area, with the wider aim of regenerating the whole of the historic county town.
Options suggested included restaurants, housing, commercial space, new car parking, higher education resources, a pedestrian bridge, a rebuild of the existing Riverside Centre, a new hotel and a cultural venue.
Now the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet will be considering whether to publish a new version of the masterplan as a Supplementary Planning Document for the area which, if adopted after a period of public consultation, will put more weight on these plans, and help make it easier for future proposals to bring these aspirations into reality.
Councillor Paul Fuller, cabinet member for planning and community engagement, said:
“The development of Newport Harbour is key to the future of the town, and indeed the wider Isle of Wight economic regeneration.
“This new planning document is another step on the way – there will be further consultation when more detailed planning applications are made.
“We welcome more input from local residents before we make any final decisions here.”
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Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, who has responsibility for regeneration, said:
“This next stage for delivering the regeneration plans of the Harbour is crucial for getting feedback from residents, so we can evaluate and progress the project.
“It’s a large brownfield site, full of history and importance for Newport that can deliver many community gains. We can use this consultation to recheck on the council’s aspirations in light of the impact of the pandemic.”
Hmm ,,,re-build the riverside centre ..why ??………
Spend money where its needed ,..
And not where people make back handers ..
This new planning document is another step on the way – there will be further consultation when more detailed planning applications are made.
……
This is just an excuse for councillors to submit meeting expense claims – not one brick is to be laid or anything of substance moved forward. Just a lot of chit chat by councillors over coffee, with the meeting minuted, a glossy powerpoint document created and lots of taxpayers money claimed as wages/expenses.
No change there then….