A once-popular seafront bar in a poor state of repair can now be transformed into a 4-bedroom house, the Council has decided, but concerns have been raised.
The building previously known as The King’s House Bar, now called Wave House, is next to the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown.
It was sold at auction for £351,017 in 2023.
Isle of Wight Hotels Ltd has been granted planning consent to convert the ‘boarded up’ structure at 30 High Street into a 3-storey home with a garden, looking onto the Esplanade.
The directors of Isle of Wight Hotels include Nick Spyker and Malcolm Moorman, according to Companies House.
However, Sandown Town Council voiced concerns over the applicant’s ‘track record of neglect’ and urged County Hall to apply strict planning conditions and enforceable Section 215 notices ‘if and when appropriate to protect and enhance our town’.
A Section 215 notice requires an owner or occupier to address the the poor condition of a building.
County Hall’s decision report on application 25/00692/FUL said:
“The proposal would be for a four bedroomed dwelling, with all the habitable rooms having access to natural light.
“Due to the separation distances and surrounding uses, as well as the previous use as a drinking establishment, it is not considered that any neighbouring amenity would be harmed from this proposal for a dwelling.
“The loss of the community asset would not cause any adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, being
the sensitive conversion and bringing the property back into active use.”
A total of 10 conditions were attached to the consent for planning policy, visual appearance, conservation, privacy, highway safety and legal compliance reasons.
It should have remained the way it was.
If it is turned into an home it will affect
possible tourism.
Sandown is seaside town.