The developers of derelict Norris Castle in East Cowes have responded to criticism of the plans after the project was dubbed a ‘millionaires’ playground’.
The major planning application would see the Grade I listed castle turned into a five-star hotel, among other plans.
It was fiercely opposed by East Cowes Town Council (ECTC) last week and has resulted in a 12-page objection.
Responding to the concerns, Clynt Wellington, NCEG director, questioned some of ‘unqualified statements’ made at the ECTC meeting and on social media and said the application was now becoming a political football.
He said:
“This application is not a political football, a supermarket application or fracking site that can be refused without consequence, but an asset of national historic importance we have been trying to find a solution for, for seven years.
“We cannot proceed commercially, unless we have a viable solution and have been totally transparent throughout, patiently and professionally responding to every request for additional information, no matter how unreasonable.
“We can do no more and have run out of time along with the buildings following 70 years of total neglect in plain sight.”
Among concerns for East Cowes residents and councillors was the viability of the development, plans for housing and access to the site across the public Esplanade along with the increased traffic that may bring.
Following the meeting, at which the developers Norris Castle Estate Group (NCEG) did not attend nor was a requested statement read out on their behalf, they said they had hoped the application would speak for itself and people would not listen to ‘misinformation’ being spread online.
Mr Wellington said the best consultants in the land had advised the design of every element of the application and if there are any challenges to the application they should be done so through equally qualified experts.
Raising issue with comments about the castle not being in as worse a condition as was thought, Mr Wellington said chartered structural engineers have stated the current ‘patch up and monitor’ repairs being undertaken on the building, requested by the Isle of Wight Council and Historic England, is ineffective and nothing like the long-term solution required.
Mr Wellington said their proposals were the only long-term viable option necessary to safeguard the heritage assets and retain the estate.
Traffic consultants are in talks with Island Roads, Mr Wellington says, to address highways concerns raised.
Addressing the housing issues, Mr Wellington said it is necessary to maximise the real estate values of the properties so fewer can be built, reducing the harm to the listed estate.
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