Plans to install a reclaimed shipping container alongside a new sushi cafe in Cowes have received overwhelming public support, despite objections that the structure would be ‘visually intrusive’ and out of place in the town’s conservation area.
A total of 18 representations supporting the proposals for The Bath House Isle of Wight have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, compared with just 4 objections during the public consultation.
The application, submitted by Leah Mew Architecture on behalf of Amick Productions, seeks permission to position a reclaimed shipping container next to the former public conveniences on Park Road, which are currently being transformed into a hospitality venue.
Behind the development is Cowes resident Mike Christie, a member of vocal group G4 and organiser of the Wight Proms and Wight Games festivals.
The proposed container would provide additional space needed for the sushi cafe to operate on a financially viable and sustainable basis.
Supporters have praised the investment in Cowes, arguing that the development will improve the appearance of a previously neglected site while bringing new business opportunities to the town.
Among those backing the plans is Hamish Nicklin, who believes seaside towns should be encouraging entrepreneurs rather than standing in their way.
Hamish Nicklin has said:
“All seaside towns need vital investment from entrepreneurs and Cowes is no different. What Mr Christie is doing here is exciting, positive and beneficial to the local community.
“Mr Christie has shown great creativity with his vision for the building, and I have complete confidence that he will apply that to this container too.”
Alexandra Road resident Annie O’Sullivan has also expressed support, arguing that the scheme would help regenerate the neglected site and improve the appearance of the surrounding area.
Meanwhile, Queens Road resident Stephen Dirou has criticised what he sees as opposition to new investment and business opportunities in Cowes.
Stephen Dirou has said:
“Everyone I know who lives in Cowes wants the town to prosper and grow, yet at every opportunity for job creation, business support…we find new ways to stifle the growth and shut new projects down.
“When will we realise that saying no to everything means that people stop trying? Do Cowes residents truly believe we can live in the 70s forever? Here we have an example of someone trying to improve the offering for residents and visitors alike, yet the default response is ‘no’.
“Time to wake up and smell the coffee.”
However, the proposals have not been universally welcomed.
One objector described the shipping container as a ‘monstrosity’ within a conservation and residential area.
Cowes Town Council has also formally objected to the application, raising concerns about the container’s appearance and impact on the surrounding streetscape.
In its objection, Cowes Town Council 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 suggests 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.”
The applicant has previously explained that the additional space is necessary to support the approved hospitality use of the former public conveniences, helping to ensure the business can operate sustainably.
The public consultation on the proposals closed on Friday with the Isle of Wight Council now considering the representations received.
A decision on planning application 26/01240/FUL is expected on 26th November.
