A bid to turn a derelict Sandown property in a ‘poor state of repair’ into a 4-bedroom house is facing opposition.
The property previously The King’s House Bar, is next to the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown.
It was sold at auction for £351,017 in 2013.
Isle of Wight Hotels Ltd is seeking planning consent to transform the ‘boarded up’ building at 30 High Street into a three-storey home with a garden, looking on to the Esplanade.
Its application is facing criticism from the Together for Sandown group, however, who have raised ‘serious concerns regarding the protection of Sandown’s historic character, the vitality of its town centre, and the precedent it sets for future development’.
The group cited the loss of commercial premises in a ‘key town centre location’, the building’s ‘historic and cultural significance’ and the applicant having a ‘track record’ of neglecting acquired commercial properties.
Its letter to planners also expressed doubt over whether the property had been ‘marketed for commercial use’ since going to auction and said there is ‘no evidence’ such a use is unviable.
Highways service provider Island Roads objected based on a ‘lack of adequate visibility’ at the development’s proposed vehicle access.
Its submission said:
“More favourable consideration could be given if the proposed on-site parking facility was removed from the scheme.”
A statement prepared by the applicant’s agent, Martin J Hayles, says:
“The property was originally constructed as a dwelling, prior to being converted into commercial at ground floor level with residential being retained at first floor level and part lower ground floor level.
“Overall, the building is in a poor state of repair, particularly at lower ground floor level with no floors and standing water due to water penetrating through existing defective retaining walls.
“Many lorry loads of debris/rubbish have been removed from both inside the building and externally from open areas.”
Mr Hayles added the application would bring a ‘redundant building’ back into use.
Landscaping proposed at the rear of the property would replace a ‘current dead space’ with ‘vibrant colour and life’.
A council decision on proposal 25/00692/FUL is expected on 17th July.
Anything is better than leaving it looking like a
Sh*thole.
Islandroads are idiots, if they cared about visibly
they would STOP vehicles parking on the pavement opposite
Sandown pier / outside the old tourist information centre.
“THIS AREA IS A PEDESTRIANISED ZONE where families walk
with their children”
it’s about time bollards were installed in this area to
STOP vehicles parking illegally.
THEY ARE ALSO “EVADING” PARKING CHARGES
Does Island Roads know how to install Bollards!!,
or are they still training how to repair a pothole!
Sort it out F.F.S
Where are the Overpaid Sandown Town Councillors when you
need them!
Very well said.
Thank you
x
And there you have it. The REAL reason Sandown High Street and seafront looks so shabby. Together For Sandown FO NOT SPEAK FOR ME AND MOST OTHER SANDOWN RESIDENTS. We want to see modernity and change – STOP LIVING IN THE PAST AND WATCH THE TOWN THRIVE.
Well said. Get Sandown out of it’s derelict status and attracting revenue from residents and tourists ( remember them?).
Houses are being built on green fields, people are living in hostels because of lack of housing , sandown is on its knees with dereliction. If this brings in a family who will spend locally why not? Pubs offices and shops are closing everywhere not because of lack of spaces but customers trends have changed. If the building is restored and brought back into use then surely that’s a positive outcome.
Spot on, anyone would think the Council are
anti-progress.
Back in the heyday Sandown was a great place.
I would re-open the boating lake and let new businesses
who open get business rates discounts, also
discounts for existing businesses who are being
let down by the Council.
“The Council have let Sandown get into this state of disrepair”
This almost certainly won’t bring in a family because it won’t be affordable. Just think how much it will cost given the size and location of the plot and the money they will have to spend to make it habitable and saleable.
What’s the point of letting a ‘developer’ acquire this building if he has a record of buying up property only to let it rot away? Sandown needs smartening up not someone who compounds the rot
Really???? Someone wants to turn a rotting eyesore into a nice, sensible family home. WE CAN’T HAVE THAT! Rotting eyesores need to be protected. Explains a lot, doesn’t it.
Surely if your a good developer you main goal is to purchase a property and turn it around ASAP. Not leave it to fall apart for years.
It wasn’t in that state when it was purchased or was it? Is this the same people who want to turn part of a hotel into flats.
So sounds like Sandown will be losing what’s left of it’s run down high street.