A reclaimed shipping container could be installed alongside a former public toilet block in Cowes as part of plans for a new sushi and coffee cafe.
A fresh planning application has been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council seeking permission to position the container next to the former public conveniences at the junction of Park Road and Terminus Road, within the historic Northwood House Estate.
The proposal, lodged by Cowes-based Leah Mew Architecture on behalf of Amick Productions, forms part of the ongoing transformation of the long-disused building into a new hospitality venue known as The Bath House Isle of Wight.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Cowes resident Mike Christie, a member of the chart-topping vocal group G4 and organiser of the Wight Proms and Wight Games festivals, is behind the ambitious project.
The building, which was originally used as a public bath house in the 1940s before later becoming public conveniences, had stood redundant for around 15 years before plans were unveiled earlier this year to give it a new lease of life.
Now, the latest application seeks to provide additional space which the developers say is essential to the long-term viability of the business.
According to a Design and Heritage Statement submitted with the plans, the shipping container would be clad in timber to reduce its visual impact and positioned away from principal public views.
The structure is described as modest in scale and fully reversible, with the applicant arguing that its impact on the Cowes Conservation Area would be ‘negligible’.
The statement warns that without the additional space, the future of the hospitality venue could be put at risk.
It states:
“Failure to provide such space risks undermining the long-term use of the building and could result in the site reverting to vacancy, a condition that would detract more significantly from the character and appearance of this prominent junction than the modest and visually recessive structure now proposed.
“The container would be modest in scale, timber-clad, set back from principal public views and fully reversible.”
The latest proposals follow a controversial licensing application earlier this year, which saw concerns raised by nearby residents and Cowes Town Council over the potential impact of the new venue.
As reported by Island Echo in May, the Isle of Wight Council received 13 objections to the premises licence application, with concerns largely centred on noise and disturbance in the surrounding residential area.
Despite the objections, councillors granted a premises licence subject to conditions, allowing alcohol to be served indoors between 10:00 and 23:00, provided customers are also purchasing food.
The approved opening hours are 06:45 to 23:30.
Speaking at the licensing hearing, Mr Christie said he was passionate about improving Cowes and wanted to transform what he described as an ‘eyesore’ into an attractive destination for residents and visitors.
He also assured councillors that he would take steps to address any nuisance caused by the business.
The Bath House Isle of Wight is being promoted as a new dining destination centred around quality coffee and fresh food, with sushi expected to feature prominently on the menu.
Members of the public have until Friday 30th October to comment on the latest planning application, reference 26/01240/FUL.
A decision is expected to be made by the Isle of Wight Council on 26th November.
