A century-old water hydrant ‘is not someone’s personal property’ and cannot just be moved 1.5m, an Isle of Wight parish council has said, as it joins residents fighting against plans.
More than 30 objections have now been submitted against proposals to relocate the cast iron, Grade II listed, Glenfield and Co water pump on Whitwell High Street.
It is one of a series in the village that were installed in the late 1880s and paid for by residents of the parish and philanthropist, William Spindler.
Plans seeking to move it 1.5m have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council to facilitate a new access road to a proposed 22-house development.
At a meeting earlier this week, Niton and Whitwell Parish Councillors said they were ‘categorically against’ moving it as the hydrants belong to the people of the village.
The parish council has been ‘custodian’ of the hydrants for decades and has been active in the upkeep of the water system and pumps, cleaning and painting them, ensuring they are in good condition.
Cllr Tim Addison said:
“As funny as it may seem to those outside the village, it shows the degree to which the rest of us care about our historical and environmental heritage.
“It is being treated as someone’s personal property, we have not been consulted as a potential owner and it is not there to be used as a personal chattel, it is not appropriate.”
The parish council says it stands behind Whitwell residents who ‘do not approve’ of the plans, due to its ‘integral image’ on the High Street and its ‘historic heritage importance’ within the village.
In its objection to the Isle of Wight Council, the parish council highlights concerns raised by Historic England about protecting the hydrant during the construction phase of developments.
The hydrant has been moved before, for the safety of the village, residents said as it allowed to road to be widened and pavements installed.
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