Two Family Villas To Be Built On Town Esplanade

Two family villas will be built on an Isle of Wight seafront – replacing a run-down ‘eyesore’.

The council has given consent to Hamlet Court Regeneration Ltd to redevelop Hamlet Court on Cowes Esplanade after the application received 68 letters of support from members of the public.

Each villa would have a lower ground floor, a ground floor and a first floor complete with a study, utility room, bathrooms, living room and a dining room.

Submitted plans include gardens looking out onto the Esplanade and Solent.

Supporters of the plans argued they would greatly enhance Hamlet Court by replacing a run-down ‘eyesore’ building containing flats with asbestos, damp and black mould.

They also said redevelopment had been long awaited and the proposed redevelopment would fit in well with the surrounding area and buildings, providing much-needed housing.

Baring Road resident Richard Palmer said:

“The site is in a prominent location, and it is important to restore its visual appeal.

“The new development will bring energy-efficient homes and a fresh look to Cowes, while still respecting the character of the neighbourhood.

“This project is long overdue.”

Explaining the decision, County Hall said:

“The proposed replacement development would respect the historical and cultural significance of the site.

“The scale, mass and design of the proposed units would not result in any unacceptable loss of amenity, over-dominance, overshadowing or loss of privacy to the neighbouring residential properties.

“The proposed development would result in the loss of a non-designated heritage asset within a conservation area.

"Although this would result in harm, this is considered to be less than substantial, and the application has demonstrated that the building could not be viably retained and converted.”

The council attached 20 conditions to the approval for the purposes of national legislation and Isle of Wight planning policy, land and building stability, privacy, protecting wildlife, adequate drainage, highway safety, local amenity and maintaining the character of the Cowes Conservation Area.