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Plans Unveiled For Former Garden Centre Site In Arreton

A homes and workspace plan has been unveiled for a former garden centre in Arreton.

The Arreton Garden and Aquatic Centre on Hale Common, now demolished, was to have been replaced by a larger tourist attraction based around Godshill Cider and Chocolate Island.

However, the Goddards brewery and visitor centre currently being built down the road on the old Branstone Farm site, has led to a change of heart.

Instead, mixed residential and retail outline plans have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council for the site next to the Fighting Cocks pub.

The planning documents say a gap in the market has been found with a concept that is very popular elsewhere in the country.

On the ground floor would be 20 industrial or business units with two-bedroom affordable flats above them.

The residential properties would have a balcony and garden as well as sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

In the planning statement, submitted by SJT Construction, it says the landowners feel there is not sufficient confidence in the economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector, to support two similar attractions in close proximity to each other.

In the documents, SJT said:

“We believe this meets a specific need by providing opportunities for small self-employment businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting local businesses, while reducing the need to commute.”

It said while the site is in a wider rural area where housing would not usually be permitted, they argue the proposal meets an identified need and tilts the balance in favour of approval, in the same way the Branstone Farm site was deemed acceptable.

You can view the plans, 22/01477/OUT, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until September 2023.

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