Fears that vibrations from washing machines and driers would disturb nearby residents hasn’t been enough to stop planning permission being granted for a new laundrette in Sandown.
In an Officer Written Justification, County Hall said Deven Thakrar’s proposal to open a business at 11 High Street would be a ‘benefit’ to the local community and increase footfall in the area.
The launderette will open up in the former ground floor offices of the centuries-old Isle of Wight solicitors, Jerome & Co.
Mr Thakrar’s business will be within the Sandown Conservation Area but will not have an effect on the ‘essential character’ of the specially protected zone, and would add vitality to the town, the council concluded.
Mr Thakrar already operated laundrettes in other Island towns.
The officer report said:
“The external appearance of 11 High Street would remain unchanged in terms of fenestration and entrance layout and position.
“Therefore, the proposed change of use would not significantly impact upon the character and amenity of the surrounding Conservation Area.
Article continues below this advertisement “The submission details a proposed extraction fan system for the front elevation.
“There are no specific details of the design and size of this extractor fan.
“Therefore, a condition is considered necessary to request further details of the extraction fan system to assess the resultant visual amenity of the fan on the front elevation.”
Other conditions attached to the council’s approval include development beginning within 3 years, complying with a submitted ground floor plan and business opening hours between 08:00 and 20:00 from Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays.
One neighbour at 9A High Street objected to the proposal.
Paul Fryatt said:
“There will definitely be an increase in the noise levels from vehicles parking, doors opening and closing, voices, conversation levels inside and outside the building.
“The possiblility of vibrations from the washing machines and driers.
“Fumes and moisture content from the proposed vent would be sure to rise up to the flats above which are currently occupied, one of which is lived in by us.
“There are many other residential properties in this area of the high street and to add that amount of noise to an already noisy high street, would be detrimental to many of our mental and emotional well being.”
In response to noise concerns, the council said restricted opening hours would prevent ‘any significant harm’.
Put in for planning for something really obnoxious like a pub. The residents would soon welcome a laundrette then…
I bet the residents of Arreton wish they had a Motocross track that was used a dozen days a year now they have a stinking AD plant and all its associated vehicle movements.
NIMBY’s. every on this Island.
That will mean 2 Laundrettes in Sandown.
Shame it’s along the High Street, hardly a tourism
business.
As the building has never been for tourists it does not really matter what it has changed too. You don’t get many tourists in the solicitors either.