Plans have been submitted to convert the former Esplanade Hotel on Shanklin seafront into 6 residential flats, marking a significant step toward repurposing a long-vacant property.
The application seeks approval for the change of use of 32 Esplanade from a vacant hotel into 6x self-contained 2-bedroom flats.
The Esplanade Hotel, which has not traded since March 2020, has been marketed for sale since April 2023 but has failed to attract a viable hospitality buyer. Estate agents Hose Rhodes Dickson confirm the building received 12 viewings and only 3 offers.
In a statement supporting the application, the developer argues that continued tourism use is unviable due to both the property’s physical condition and a wider downturn in the sector. Structural and internal issues cited include water ingress, render failure, and the need for full rewiring, replumbing, and significant renovations to meet modern safety and energy standards.
A financial viability report included with the application concludes that incorporating holiday-let restrictions would render the development economically unfeasible. The scheme, as submitted, forecasts a profit margin of 16% based on an estimated gross development value of £1.795million – a figure already higher than those provided by 2 local estate agents.
No changes are proposed to existing vehicle parking, with 4 spaces retained at the rear of the site. 6x secure cycle storage spaces are also planned.
Pre-application advice received from the planning authority in November 2025 suggested the loss of tourist accommodation could be supported if sufficiently justified. The applicant has responded by submitting marketing evidence, business accounts, and structural assessments to support the case for conversion.
No affordable housing contribution is proposed due to eligibility for 100% Vacant Building Credit. Additionally, the site is exempt from Solent Special Protection Area contributions and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements due to its small footprint and lack of soft landscaping.
The public consultation period for application 25/01844/FUL runs until Friday 27th February, with a target statutory decision date set for 23rd March.
Another nail in the coffin for our dying tourism industry. When will planners and our council ever learn that you have to keep buildings like this in the heart of seafront tourism. So more residential flats. So when the steamer or Waterfront want to put a bit of music on in their beer courtyard in August they will get objections from these new residents. It’s like oil and water. We never learn. Wave goodbye to a once thriving industry the Island enjoyed through tourism.
It’s cheaper to go abroad then come here
So true and you don’t have to pay to
have a p*ss.
When will folk who are living in the past ever learn that this type of tourism isDEAD.
The island relies on weekenders and midweek
coaches.
Long holidays in UK are a thing of the past.
All seafront properties that were once hotels
should remain as hotels otherwise tourism will die.
Tourism on this islandis history. You have the ferries to thank for that.
Of course planning will be granted
6 Council taxes is better than 1 to the
Council.
As someone now from afar (Australia) this trend strikes as quite sad even if it’s at least partly inevitable due to changing times I do wonder though if some more imaginative thinking might have retained at least part of the tourist trade? I loved our Shanklin holidays from 1949 to 1954. So much so that we went to live there in March 1955! I am also quite taken aback by the reported number of road accidents, crimes, traffic lights, road closures and delays and other apparent downturns. And don’t get me started on armed police! Hardly EVER saw a ‘normal’ copper when we lived there to 1975 and road accidents were as rare as hen’s teeth! It’s ironic that Mr and Mrs Average are now off to Torremolinos inter alia whilst we have become fed up with ‘trendy’ places and their heaving masses and want Blackpool and Shanklin type holidays again! Even if they too had heaving masses at times!
Not to mention numpties parking ILLEGALLY
on Pavements and Double Yellow Lines and
SPEEDING
The island is the most lawless place in the UK
The Council are clueless and useless and
traffic police are rare.
Stayed there in the 90,s
indian guy owned it,he was an ex gurkha,really nice man,it was really nice inside,he was in his late 50,s back then,ran it with his wife and son,he loved in the old village at the time,probably passed by now,or if he hasnt,he would be nearly 90!