Unauthorised structures in a pub garden in Bembridge are to be removed after an enforcement investigation – but the landlord is hoping to get permission for a new building.
During the course of the COVID pandemic, pub landlord and local councillor Jay Chapman built structures in the garden of the Ye Olde Village Inn, on Bembridge High Street, after restrictions limited indoor dining. It helped avoid the closure of the historic tavern but the structures were built without planning permission.
Following an investigation by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning enforcement team, planning applications were subsequently submitted and amended to rectify the situation.
The council, however, refused planning permission due to the increased noise levels, insufficient parking provision and the unsympathetic design, size and scale of the structures.
Now, a new application has been submitted to resolve the status of the pub garden — by removing the temporary structures, including the Mermaid Pod and Bar 61, and building ‘a more substantial one’, says planning documents.
Plan Research, planning agents acting on behalf of Mr Chapman, said the proposal allows for more spaces and year-round dining, offering the pub a financially sustainable future while limiting the noise risk to nearby properties.
The new building would be made of wood and glazed windows, and be closed in rather than open-fronted, also appearing ‘as less temporary’. It is also proposed that the toilet block would be retained and the existing kitchen area extended.
The planning agents say:
“This scheme would be a significant improvement for the business and local residents compared to the existing unauthorised buildings within the site.”
You can view the plans, 22/00862/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 5th August.
Sad people will complain about anything
Definitely some in Bembridge, Parish Council has too much say in everything
Putting up structures without permission and then thinking they can keep them?? Do these owners think they are councilors or such like???
Should have built stables in Newchurch instead.
It’s a pub trying to keep going, who cares what is in back yard. Guess some selfish person upset in the village. Maybe close up and go elsewhere , council will loose money in taxes and Bembridge will loose tourism. Very concerning how planning make decisions and how council can do what it likes but not business or home owners.
No Bembridge won’t lose tourism money. The OVI doesn’t welcome strangers.
Not in my experience. Every Monday is a free pub quiz and always lots of visitors, welcomed with open arms. The OVI is a lovely, unpretentious local pub, fighting to survive against difficult times and an unsupportive council.
Should have got planning permission in the first place another councilor thinks he can do what he likes
He built in his back yard to help customers,which then they spend money, paying tax etc make’s council and Government money. He’s not built a stable on green land that was selfish and that councilor avoids taxes and has to much money helping no-one but themselves.
yeah how did mosdel get away with it scot free but a hard working pub owner gets a kick in the teeth
Don’t tell me some idiot moved in next to a pub and now complaining about everything they possibly can. Noise , structures and such like
The house adjoining the OVI was in fact purchased at a knock down price by the owner of the establishment as I have been informed, so unlikely to be them complaining unless re rented it out
The NIMBY lot will be along soon telling people what they can and can not do on their own property.
The Nimbys already ARE telling people what to do and have been for years in Bembridge. I wouldn’t live there if you paid me – the posh neighbours really lower the tone.
As Ryde grows ever outwards and Bembridge has more affordable and social housing forced upon it, the tone will, given time change.
Soon be Mc D’s boxes, dog mess, and old stained mattresses dumped in the park etc. Mugging, theft, stabbing and even more drug dealing will follow.
The arrogant, vile, self opinionated snobs will seem the better choice then I fear.