Plans to replace an Isle of Wight lifeboat station deemed ‘no longer fit for purpose’ have received backing from Sandown Town Council.
In a letter to County Hall supporting the proposal, the local authority said the proposed replacement of Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat is ‘sympathetic’ to the ‘local character and coastal setting’.
Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat has sought planning permission to demolish the existing station on Sandown’s Western Esplanade.
The Island charity is run by volunteers and has ‘served the Isle of Wight’s coast for decades’, according to a submitted Planning Statement. It proposes to build a new and ‘resilient’ 2-storey station in place of the existing structure which has become ‘structurally unsound’ and ‘beyond economical repair’.
The Planning Statement said:
“The existing building is no longer fit for purpose due to prolonged exposure to harsh coastal conditions and general deterioration. The new proposal presents an opportunity to modernise the station while maintaining continuity of vital services.
“The proposed replacement lifeboat station will secure the long-term viability of the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat and enable its continued life-saving service.
“The project will make use of an already approved footprint and respond appropriately to environmental and operational challenges.”
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A Sandown Town Council spokesperson said:
“The town council discussed this application at its recent meeting and fully support the application.
“The lifeboat station will enhance maritime safety and emergency response capabilities.
“As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, the station needs to be robust and able to withstand storms as damage can lead to interruptions to service.
Article continues below this advertisement “The proposed design is sympathetic to the local character and coastal setting. It uses appropriate materials and scale, minimizing visual intrusion while serving a vital function and is an improvement on an existing structure.”
County Hall’s public consultation on application 25/01441/FUL finishes on 7th November and a decision has been scheduled for 26th November.
