Opposition has grown to an ‘intrusive’ plan for toilet and shower facilities at a 19th century barracks.
Several East Cowes residents, including county councillor Karl Love, have lodged objections against Cowes Harbour Commission’s (CHC) proposal for renovation works at Victoria Barracks’s The Guardhouse on Albany Road.
Concerns surrounding the scheme include damage to features of special architectural or historic interest, its design being out of character, and a proposed extension being an ‘unnecessary eyesore’.
ERMC, CHC’s agent, previously said the development will help keep up with the increasing demand for maritime and related support facilities, with a new extension allowing for washing and toilet amenities to ‘operate effectively’ and adequately serve boat users moored at East Cowes Marina.
The application includes internal and external alterations and an extension to the building, allowing for new shower rooms, WC facilities and wash-down areas.
Roger Beadell, who lives on Captains Parade, said the plans will ‘completely change’ the appearance of the existing Guardhouse.
In addition, he said a new fence will ‘destroy’ the area’s appearance.
Another East Cowes resident, Gail Ebbatson, told the council submitted plans were ‘wholly unsuitable’ and that adding a flat roofed building with a parapet higher than the gutter line will be ‘highly intrusive’. She also said the original 1872 Victorian railings must not be cut into or damaged in any way.
Michael Douse, of Cavalier Quay, said the development fails to preserve or enhance the East Cowes (Esplanade) Conservation Area.
ERMC’s submitted Design and Access statement said the application includes the complete restoration of the Guardhouse and an addition allowing ‘much-needed’ toilets and showers for moored boat users.
The consultants added that the scheme was heritage-sensitive and conservation-led.
County Hall’s public consultation on application 26/00220/FUL lasts until 7th April and a decision is due on 29th April.
So looking at Cowes week last year it was dire,sailors need somewhere halfway decent to take off waterproofs and shower,Compared to Poole, Bournemouth Sailing marinas Cowes is literally dead in the water,so do t moan when sailors decide to tell Cowes to do one and take their money(which Cowes relies on in Summer)to The Mainland which happened last year we sail every Cows week as a team but are considering our options and we are Islanders ,change has to happen or The Island will die .
It is a lovely building, best to leave the way it is.
I wonder what it will be used as going forward.