A flats conversion plan for an Isle of Wight hotel in a ‘very poor state of repair’ has gained qualified backing from a town council.
Shanklin councillors have agreed to support Harry Roe’s proposal to turn the Esplanade Hotel, 32 Esplanade in Shanklin, into 6x 2-bedroom apartments.
The application has so far split opinion, with four objections from members of the public and another four in support, including from Shanklin Town Council (STC).
An STC spokesperson said:
“The town council supports the proposed change of use from a former hotel to six residential flats, subject to the development being completed to a high standard of finish.
“Furthermore, the external appearance of the building should be sympathetic to, and in keeping with, the character and appearance of the surrounding properties.”
Opponents of the bid have raised issues such as a need for holiday let accommodation instead of homes, the proposed apartments being ‘out of the price range’ of most Islanders and the plans not helping the local and Isle of Wight economy.
Sarah Bigland said:
“We oppose the proposed application for change of use to residential apartments. We are owners of Apartment Six, Sunny Beach located in the other half of the Esplanade Hotel which was converted into holiday let apartments approximately 11 years ago.
“Our apartments were awarded bronze this year in the Red Funnel Awards for Best Holiday Cottage/Apartment which for a small block of six apartments was an outstanding result. We would like to see the other half of the hotel providing similar high quality holiday accommodation.
“We oppose the application to make these into residential apartments as there is a shortage of holiday accommodation along the seafront. We are always fully booked during the spring, summer and autumn months and have regular guests during the winter.”
Points made in favour of the plans include the empty hotel ruining the look of the esplanade and the property not being viable as holiday accommodation.
A decision on the scheme is expected on 23rd March.
If they oppose it, why didn’t they buy it!!
Let owners do what they wish, better than it
looking like a sh*thole, it’s been an abandoned sh*thole
for years.
I would rather see more holiday accommodation
but with extortionate ferry fares, residential is the
way to go.
The days of bucket and spade holidays to the iow are long gone. The council and residents need to realise this and allow conversions of these run down derelict buildings into modern living accommodation. The good old days are long gone.
Cheaper to fly to a sunny climate than pay
ridiculous ferry fares