Retrospective planning permission is being sought to allow the former smuggling museum at Ventnor Botanic Gardens to be used as a 1-bedroom holiday let.
It was nearly 2 years ago that the former museum on the edge of the garden’s car park was converted into a short-term holiday let property, but it is only now that Ventnor Botanic Gardens (VBG) is seeking formal planning permission for the change of use from the Isle of Wight Council.
When Chris Kidd took on the lease from the Isle of Wight Council, the Museum of Smuggling History had been closed for several years. The building was in a derelict, almost dangerous state. Then, in 2014, VBG undertook a basic restoration of the building, including the roof and flooring. The building was then utilised for storage, as office space and as a heritage centre.
In 2021, during the COVID pandemic, the property was converted to a short-term holiday let but planning permission for the change of use wasn’t obtained.
Now, Ventnor Botanic Gardens is hoping the local authority will give the green light for the property to continue being used as holiday accommodation.
VBG says that the conversion of the building has been done in great sympathy to its heritage and that they endeavoured to retain the key elements of the building’s character in the context of the site.
The public has until 7th April to comment on the plans.
Disgusting! Breaking the law. Why should they be let off? There are already multiple holiday lets within the VBG. Greed.
Yes much better to let the building rot and fall down .how dare the owner of the building try and make a living .would be much better to sit on his back side and claim benefits ,like all the commentators on here .
Another bloody holiday let. More arrogant idiocy on the Isle of Wight. I quote “In 2021, during the COVID pandemic, the property was converted to a short-term holiday let” Surely that was illegal. This should be not allowed.
Would make an ideal gite for the Freshwater 5 when they are released in another decade or so.
Never mind vbg was gifted to the people of ventnor.