The demolition of a former Ryde farmhouse on the site of the future Pennyfeathers development – damaged through numerous acts of vandalism – has been hailed as good news by developers and locals, which will ultimately make the area safer.
Last week, the Isle of Wight Council approved the demolition of Prestwood Grange Farm House, on Smallbrook Lane. As a result, it will be sensitively dismantled in the weeks to come, with workers mindful of its surrounding environment.
The former farmhouse, which sits close to St John’s Cemetery, has been continuously broken into on a weekly basis despite the building being secured after every attack. Drug taking on site and extensive damage throughout means the whole building is dangerous, with the potential for injury a real fear.
A spokesperson for Smallbrook Developments Limited has told Island Echo:
“The house has not been lived in for some time and while we do the utmost to ensure the site is safe and secure, it continues to be the source of multiple break-ins, vandalism and graffiti. The building is no longer safe and, in a bid, to prevent anyone being seriously injured, we have decided to remove it altogether.
“This is good news for the community as it takes away an unwanted hub of anti-social behaviour and will make the area safer. The last thing we wanted is for somebody to be seriously injured or even killed in the building.”
In approving the house’s demolition, the Isle of Wight Council said the existing building ‘did not have any particular architectural value or interest’ and ‘detracted’ from the character of the area. Ryde Town Council did not object to the application and have received a detailed briefing from the site owners.
The land will be used as part of the upcoming Pennyfeathers housing development, which is currently in the design stages, with further developments expected in early 2025. A consultation event took place earlier this year discussing the plans for the site with the Ryde community and local stakeholders.
Surely it can be repaired and turned into a family home.
Shame they don’t care about the dangerous
eyesore hotels at Sandown.
Glass hanging out of windows etc.
I can honestly say that Health and Safety on the
Island is sh*t!.
IW Council don’t have a clue.
Yes, knock down a house to build some rabbit hutches that we don’t need or want.