Plans to install a reclaimed shipping container alongside a new sushi and coffee cafe in Cowes have been met with opposition from town councillors, who say the structure would be ‘visually intrusive’ and ‘unattractive’ in its proposed location.
Cowes Town Council has formally objected to the latest planning application for The Bath House Isle of Wight, which is being developed within a former public toilet block at the junction of Park Road and Terminus Road, on the historic Northwood House Estate.
The proposal, submitted by Cowes-based Leah Mew Architecture on behalf of Amick Productions, seeks permission to position a reclaimed shipping container alongside the building to provide additional space for the hospitality business.
However, councillors have raised concerns about the visual impact of the structure, particularly given its prominent position within the Cowes Conservation Area.
A spokesperson for Cowes Town Council has said:
“CTC objects to the application as, in its proposed location, it would fail DM2 of the Island Plan due to it being out of place, in a prominent position, visually intrusive and unattractive thus having a detrimental effect on the character of the street scene.
“CTC suggest that either the container with cladding be sited on the western boundary, only as a temporary measure, and also that it would be better to extend the building southwards to accommodate storage.”
As previously reported by Island Echo, the plans form part of an ambitious project led by Cowes resident Mike Christie, a member of the chart-topping vocal group G4 and organiser of the Wight Proms and Wight Games festivals.
The building was originally used as a public bath house in the 1940s before later becoming public conveniences. It had stood redundant for around 15 years before plans emerged earlier this year to transform it into a new dining destination.
The Bath House Isle of Wight is expected to offer quality coffee and fresh food, with sushi featuring prominently on the menu.
The applicant has argued that the additional space provided by the shipping container is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of the business.
According to a Design and Heritage Statement submitted with the application, the container would be clad in timber to reduce its visual impact, positioned away from principal public views and could be removed in the future.
Leah Mew Architecture has maintained that the structure’s impact on the Cowes Conservation Area would be ‘negligible’.
The applicant previously told planners:
“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.”
It is not the first time the project has faced opposition.
Earlier this year, the Isle of Wight Council received 13 objections to a premises licence application, with residents raising concerns about potential noise and disturbance in the surrounding residential area.
Despite those 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 for the venue are 06:45 to 23:30.
During the licensing hearing, Mr Christie spoke of his passion for improving Cowes and his desire to transform what he described as an ‘eyesore’ into an attractive destination for residents and visitors.
He also assured councillors that steps would be taken to address any nuisance caused by the business.
The latest disagreement now centres on whether the proposed shipping container is a suitable addition to the historic site, with the developers arguing it is necessary for the cafe’s future and town councillors suggesting alternative arrangements.
The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on planning application 26/01240/FUL remains open until 30th October.
A decision on the application is expected on 26th November.
