A change of plans in the re-development of a holiday centre in St Lawrence has been welcomed by the local councillor.
A new site notice was added to the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register last week to mark the revised plans for the former St Rhadagund’s hotel, on Undercliff Drive — turning the six-holiday units into residential properties.
Previously, the plans had been met with hostility from local residents of the village who had had problems with disruptive holiday lets and were concerned about the precedent those guests had set.
One local resident said it would ‘spoil the village completely’ and turn it into a ‘holiday village’.
Among objections was a feared increase in traffic, an overbearing presence for some neighbours on Spindlers Road and an impact on the wildlife.
The plans would see the main house split into two residential units and six three-bed houses built on land further up the hill from the main building, closer to Seven Sisters Road.
The six houses were set to be let as holiday rentals, by the applicant’s Turner Holiday Rentals, but are now proposed for residential use.
Some residents had previously expressed that if anything should be built, it should be houses for Island families, who would add to the community and pay more regard for people who already live there.
One objection submitted against the holiday use of the buildings said St Lawrence needed permanent housing and not more holiday lets.
Ventnor Town Council had submitted an objection against the development on June 16, saying the design was inappropriate and it would change the surrounding community.
However, at the time of its objection, it said it was felt the proposal would likely become permanent residential accommodation.
Cllr Gary Peace, the representative for St Lawrence and Ventnor, said he spoke with the applicants and planning officers, asking if there was a possibility of changing the plans.
He said:
“There was a shedload of hostility towards their previous plans. One of the big things that came out of it was people accepting we need housing, not holiday accommodation.
“[The applicants] are pumping so much money into St Rhadagund’s to try to get it up to spec that I accept there has got to be some sort of development. If there has to be development, then it should be affordable homes.
“If that is the route they are going down, long term accommodation for Island families, then I am actually quite supportive of that providing it fits with everything else.”
Planning agents for the development said the building was an eyesore, empty and dilapidated with emergency repair work already underway to repair the roof, to prevent water ingress.
No other plans have been added to the council’s planning portal to reflect the change in the planning application, but the consultation period has been re-opened until July 23.
Hovertravel Services Remain Suspended Due To Unexploded Ordnance
Local Business Gives Back By Supporting Surf Charity
Local Energy Company Seeks Rooftops For Community Solar Projects
Who Will You Nominate For 50th Isle Of Wight Sports Achievement Awards?
Isle Of Wight Churches Launch Urgent Fundraising Appeal For Debt Help On The Island
Plans Afoot To Improve Isle Of Wight Cycling And Walking Routes
Appeal Following Report Of Assault In Cowes
Witness Appeal Following Fatal Incident On Isle Of Wight
Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Attends ‘Man In River’ Emergency
Wightlink Releases Statement Regarding Suspended Services
Changing Rooms: Shanklin Hotel Set For Upgrades
'Plagued' Ryde Farmhouse Set For Demolition
Leeson Road To Re-Open This Sunday
Supergrass, Jess Glynne And Busted Among Latest Acts Announced For Isle Of Wight Festival 2025
Inspectors Appointed For Island Planning Strategy Examination
Islanders Floating Bridge Views Sought
Two More Years Of Restoration Works Confirmed For Isle Of Wight Quarry
RSPCA Isle Of Wight Appeal Launched To Help Island's Most Vulnerable Animals This Christmas
Appeal For Information Following Assault At Crown Pub In Ryde
New Entrance And Kitchen Mooted For Freshwater Bay Hotel
