The Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee have tonight (Tuesday) refused Red Funnel’s plans for a new terminal and associated areas in East Cowes.
A planning application for the transformation of the area beside the River Medina was submitted back in September of last year, seeking permission for the demolition of existing buildings and dwellings plus the building of a brand new ferry terminal, 60-bed hotel and retail, leisure and commercials premises, as well as up to 100 homes.
Ahead of tonight’s meeting Council officers recommended the conditional approval of the plans, but the committee went against that recommendation by refusing planning permission due to the loss of existing employment and loss of deep water access.
A vote had taken place to defer the decision for 3 months, however that was defeated by 6 votes to 5. The vote to refuse the application was successful with 7 votes to 4.
The future for the redevelopment of East Cowes is now uncertain. It is thought that the already-approved development of the new Southampton terminal will be down-sized.
