The Isle of Wight Council has issued a Section 215 enforcement order on the Ocean Hotel in Sandown, meaning the owners have until mid-July to clean the site up – or face the consequences.
According to local councillor Ian Ward, many ‘legal wrangles’ have now been overcome to allow for the order to be issued by the local authority.
The order comes into effect on 11th March – just under 6 weeks’ time – with a requirement for the site’s owners, Phoenix Commerical Property Development Limited, to complete 13 tasks within a 2 month period. 2 further tasks have to be completed within 4 months, meaning all 15 requirements of the order should be completed by mid-July at the latest.
Some of the tasks include:
- Removing the steel supports from the former entrance canopy fronting the Esplanade
- Cutting all vegetation down to ground level, removing the waste and applying a suitable weed killer
- Removing all building materials, litter and vegetation across the site and on the access steps and boundary walls
- Cutting back hedgerow
- Removing trailing ivy
- Repairing boundary fencing next to the High Street
- Cleaning all windows and door glass panes fronting the High Street
- Cleaning the door and window canopies serving the main entrance to the hotel and first-floor windows of the Kings Bar so they are free of mould and dirt
It is hoped that the derelict hotel will have a much neater appearance come the summer holidays as the order seeks to bring the property back to a reasonable standard which will rectify the adverse effects the property is having on the amenity of the neighbourhood.
The owners could, however, appeal by applying to the Magistrates Court.
Should the owners fail to comply the Isle of Wight Council could look to pursue further legal action including prosecution in the Magistrates Court; the council carrying out the works at a cost to the owner, enforced by the County Court; or registration with HM Land Registry of a charge on the property, recoverable should the property be sold.
The enforcement order covers both the Ocean Hotel and the adjoining King House (32-40 even numbers) off the High Street. Both were taken over by Carlauren Group when the 97-bedroom Ocean Hotel was sold for £2.6million in 2017 after some 57 years under family ownership.
Carlauren went bust in late 2019 but in April 2021 it was reported by Island Echo that Phoenix Commerical Property Development had purchased the seafront property. Just a month later, an arson attack caused significant damage to the hotel with an announcement following in May that it would not re-open as a hotel.
More than 45 firefighters spent hours fighting the flames, including crews from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, East Cowes and Cowes. They used 5 main jets along with 15 sets of breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control.
Still makes me sick, what’s happened to this beautiful building. After it was loved and maintained to such a high standard for all those years. The Conways’s are very much missed.
Well done, Isle of Wight coyuncil. About time.This should have been sorted out a long time ago. It is a blight not only on Sandown, but the whole island tourist industry.
Interesting that the Council are on their high horse in issuing a Section 215 in this case but openly defend their ‘blind eye’ policy and collective failure to issue enforcement notices under Section 171A for planning breaches at Atherfield Holiday Park.
Would be nice if they could pass a LAW stopping any firm NOT Island Registered from buying or leasing Island property, or land. Unless it is directly for the Island…residence or work. Although this would be difficult to do, but could allow Islanders first bids.
As for Arson at hotels when end of season appears, that was a common insurance job..
Mainland firms buy up cheap properties and then just ‘ sit’ on them, never caring about them, possibly never been to them, just look at them all, and the ICE RINK… How long do we have to look at that? Could at least tidy it up and remove the signage.
Perhaps they could issue a section 215 on the floating bridge.
Did the insurance not pay out after the accidental fire then???
I predict another fire.
A 215 on all the dirty rundown eyesores in ALL the towns on the Island would be good.
Somebody owns them.
There are also so many other dumps in SANDOWN that need tidying up and what about the eyesore old Gym building outside Ryde St John’s Railway station
All the paint flaking off
It’s looked terrible for years
On the main Road, what must Tourists think.
It’s about time IW Council got their act together
What about that awful ‘carbunkle’ that used to be the lovely cafe next to Bembridge Lifeboat Station. The owner and planning dept have reached stalemate so, apparently, it’s going to stay as it is.
A section 215 on county hall would be the best start. That’s the biggest eyesore in Newport.