Plans to add to a spirit distillery in Pondwell to include a vineyard and winery have been refused by the Isle of Wight Council. The planning application, submitted in March, was asking permission to build a winery next to the the former Wishing Well Pub, now the home of Mermaid Gin producer, the Isle of Wight Distillery. According to a design and access statement, the mixed agricultural and tourism development would help Rosemary Vineyard owner Conrad Gauntlett establish the replacement winery business, which would serve the proven demand for this type of niche tourism. Rosemary Vineyard and visitor centre is currently situated in Ashey — however, the current site has planning permission for 140 houses. A few acres of vines have been planted on the Pondwell site but it is not as large as the former site. More vines are envisaged by the applicant. A two-bedroom flat was also proposed above the winery to serve as a managerial property to comply with licensing requirements. However, local residents and Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council, objected the proposals, with one asking developers to ‘please listen to the community’ and saying it was a ‘continued erosion of our green fields’. Isle of Wight Council planning officers rejected the proposals saying the design would introduce a visual prominent development which would be harmful to the visual amenity and the resulting street scene. In the officer’s report, it said: “While the principle of the rural business can be supported, the delivery of such a scheme would not outweigh the demonstrable harm in terms of design and scale.” Issues also surrounded the number of parking spaces which would be available after the development — an eco lodge development has previously been given permission and the ten parking spaces remaining would be too few. Officers said it would have a detrimental impact on the highway network and safety as a result. The applicants have 28 days, from May 6, to appeal the officer’s decision.
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
