The latest redevelopment plans for the historic Isle of Wight East Dene estate have again been criticised as an ‘overdevelopment’ with residents raising ‘major’ safety concerns.
In an updated scheme, unveiled last month, Robert Camping of Camping Property, is seeking permission to turn the Grade II former children’s activity centre and wedding venue in Bonchurch into an ‘aparthotel’ with six apartments and a commercial kitchen.
The number of eco-lodges proposed in the grounds has been slashed in half, putting eight in the protected woodlands, and refurbishing an old swimming pool.
Many locals, commenting on the scheme, feel the revised proposals fail to address the main issues raised when the plans were first submitted in December last year.
One said the proposed development represents an ‘excessive threat’ to the environment.
An ‘overspill parking’ area on a lower field is still included in the plans, despite being omitted from some documents, which would be accessed on a narrow, single-track road.
As a popular walkway for walkers, residents felt additional traffic driving down the lane would add ‘intolerable strain’ to the village and increase the risk to pedestrians, making it very unsafe.
Others say parking in the lower field, which is known for ground movement, would further affect land stability and have a detrimental impact on the nearby 11th-century church.
Another commenter said they understand a sympathetic restoration is needed for the preservation of East Dene and any plans should complement its unique setting, not compromise it.
They felt it was a massive overdevelopment which did not bring any advantages to the village.
The eco-lodges would ‘destroy’ the diverse population of protected and unprotected wildlife by removing their habitat, another commenter said.
There are no comments in favour of the development since the revised plans have been submitted.
Island Roads is also seeking further clarification to determine whether East Dene is still classed as a hotel but if it is not, it would object to the plans on five grounds, including insufficient parking provision, the ‘significant increase’ of traffic onto the roads and inadequate access width.
You can view the plans, 22/02249/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can now be submitted until November 7.
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